The City of Rock Island and Rock Island Downtown Alliance are hosting a photo contest to celebrate the installation of new 4 1/2-foot-tall steel “ROCK ISLAND” block letters and the conversion of a parking lot into a green space at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 18th Street.
Participants are encouraged to be creative when taking photos of the letters to highlight the community’s character. The contest runs to Thursday, July 31.Â
Photos must be shared publicly on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #downtownrockisland by midnight July 31. Multiple submissions are allowed.
Photographs can be taken at any time day or night (under the lights). They can include people, pets, or just the letters framed artistically.
“I invite residents and visitors to show their love for Rock Island by participating in this fun contest,” Mayor Ashley Harris said in a news release. “The newly installed block letters offer a great opportunity to capture creative photos, and this is a special way we can all celebrate the revitalization of our downtown and the spirit of Rock Island.”
Winners will be recognized at the Rock Island City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 25. Here are the prizes that will be awarded:
1st Place staycation
- Dinner and Show at Circa ’21 ($140 gift card for two tickets).
- One-night stay at Holiday Inn ($150 gift card for one room).
- Drinks at Icons Martini ($25 gift card).
- Carry-out snacks at Healthy Harvest Urban Farms ($20 gift card).
2nd shopping spree
- Lunch at Roosters Sports Bar & Grill ($35 gift card).
- Manicure at Lavish Salon and Spa ($30 gift card).
- Clothing/accessories at Brick and Motor Boutique ($25 gift card).
- Vinyl, CDs, and more at Ragged Records & Music ($25 gift card).
- Vintage finds at Skeleton Key Art & Antiques ($25 gift card).
3rd daring destinations
- The Gangsters and Ghosts Tour by QC Haunts & History ($40 gift card for two tickets).
- Escape Room Experience at Skellington Manor ($30 gift card for 4-8 players).
- Drinks at Wake Brewing ($15 gift card).
Honorable mentions
- Admission to Quad City Botanical Center ($20 gift card for two tickets).
- Drinks and bites at Rozz-Tox ($20 gift card).
- Staff-guided tour of Quad City Arts Gallery.
The unveiling of the green lawn and “ROCK ISLAND” letters marks an exciting milestone for the City of Rock Island’s Rebuild Downtown Project, which is nearing completion.Â
Crews recently finished underground infrastructure improvements at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 19th Street and began paving the area Friday, bringing the busy corridor closer to reopening. Final project pieces include the installation of the “Welcome to Downtown Rock Island” sign on the archway at 1st Avenue and 18th Street, planned for later this summer.
The community also is invited to enjoy the new public amenities at 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Ave. during the QC Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon in the 1800 block of 2nd Avenue.
The free, all-ages program, presented by the Downtown Alliance, will feature live music by artist Eva Kendall, an all-levels yoga class led by Refined Fit Lab, outdoor games, and bubble stations sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union. Additionally, patrons can enjoy food and beverage specials on outdoor patios at nearby establishments.
