Quad Citians are invited to the annual Porch Party at Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.
This free community event offers a line-up of indoor and outdoor activities the historic Deere destinations say are designed to celebrate the diversity of arts and culture in the Quad Cities. As always, the Porch Party will take place rain or shine, moving indoors in case of inclement weather.
“Every year we work at adding new features to our Porch Party,” the site’s Director of Community Relations Susan Anderson said in a news release. “Along with the familiar activities the community has come to love, we bring new entertainers, foods, and ways to explore our magnificent historic homes and grounds. We want our event to appeal to all ages and interests.”
This year’s historic theme is based on the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It ties the afternoon’s activities together around live music, food from different cultures, and a variety of family activities. From antique cars to a digital scavenger hunt to chatting with preservation experts, the Porch Party lineup offers something for everyone.
Fundraising campaign ongoing
The event also falls during the William Butterworth Foundation’s $3.2 million campaign to repair and preserve the 150–plus-year-old historic home. Last June, Foundation board members held a news conference at 817 11th Ave., Moline, the former home of four generations of the John Deere family. They gathered to ask Quad Citians to add $1.1 million to the $2.1 million already raised to repair water damage and other issues at the home.
That community fundraising campaign marked the first time in its history that the Butterworth board has asked the public to help fund homes and properties it manages. Sunday’s porch party also is an opportunity to tour the homes and see what makes them special and in need of repairs.
One of the event’s highlights is a rare chance for the public to get a good look at the underground tunnel leading from the home to the carriage house at Deere-Wiman. Guests will be allowed to tour the tunnels through the south basement entrance. There they will be able to explore seldom-seen behind-the-scenes areas of the property as they travel to the Carriage House underground. Visitors are urged to note that the tunnel tour requires climbing stairs.
What’s on tap Sunday?
Other event highlights include:
- Live music at both Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House featuring Deep Dish Divas and the Big Top Circus Band on the Butterworth Center Gazebo Stage. Jed Poust will be at the grand Butterworth Center pipe organ.
- Family Zone on the Butterworth Center lawn with garden crafts and a variety of games for kids.
- New this year is ComedySportz, which is performing twice in the Butterworth Center Library.
- Ask the Expert – local preservation specialists at Deere-Wiman House will be available to answer questions about caring for historic properties.
- Digital scavenger hunt of the Butterworth and Deere-Wiman grounds to earn swag for participants.
- Antique and classic cars on display by local car club members.
- Arts and cultural organizations on hand to share their missions and engage visitors in fun activities.
Porch Party guest favorite, the 11th Avenue Food Truck Festival, also will be on hand. It features seven vendors serving cuisines and treats from around the world. They include Mexican, soul food, Jamaican jerk, African/Asian, and American food, smoothies and kettle corn.
For a complete list of food vendors, activities, and times, go to the Butterworth Center & Deere Wiman House website at www.butterworthcenter.com.
All activities are funded by the William Butterworth Foundation, manager of both Butterworth Center. It’s located at 1105 Eight Street, Moline. and Deere-Wiman House is 817 11th Ave., Moline.
