With Bettendorf’s annual Fourth of July celebration just two months away, city leaders are sharing early don’t-miss dates that can help ensure anyone who wants to can join in the fun at this annual and traditional holiday event.
Mayor Bob Gallagher called the annual holiday event “the best family-friendly, longtime ‘always on the Fourth of July’ celebration you’ll find!”
While there, visitors can “start the day by enjoying the parade in Downtown Bettendorf, then work your way up to our festival in Cumberland Square to enjoy some free ice cream and great live music, capped off by the best fireworks you’ll ever see at Middle Park,” the mayor added.
Planning for all those events already is underway and deadlines are rapidly approaching.
The 2025 parade will step off at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown Bettendorf at the intersection of 23rd and State streets. It will go east on State Street. Then curve around to Grant Street, and go west on Grant Street to 16th Street. There it will turn south on 16th Street, go east on State Street and end at 21st Street.
Grand marshal sought
It will be led by a Parade Grand Marshal and the city is seeking nominations to lead this year’s procession. They are due by Monday, May 26.
“If you know someone who has made significant contributions to the quality of life in the City of Bettendorf – in civic or social services, humanitarianism, or through personal achievements such as athletics or the arts – please nominate them to be this year’s Grand Marshal,” the city’s news release said.
The 2024 Grand Marshal was Bob Gallagher Sr.
Your nominees must be a current resident, a longtime past resident, or have brought some distinction to Bettendorf. Your choices can be mailed to Community Engagement Manager Angie Sharp at City Hall, 1609 State Street. Or email here at at [email protected] by the Memorial Day deadline.
Those who want to participate in the parade are urged to visit www.bettendorf.org/Parade to sign up soon. The entry fee is $20 until the first deadline of Sunday, June 23. Since there is a limited number of spots available, anyone interested is urged to register early.
Vendor deadline June 14
Also coming up quickly on the event calendar is the Friday, June 14, deadline for applying to be a vendor in Bettendorf’s Fourth of July Festival that will run from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, on Spruce Hills Drive in front of Cumberland Square.
The party is expected to include live music on two stages, kid-friendly activities, food/craft vendors, free ice cream provided by city council and city department heads. It also features a free performance by the Bettendorf Community Band at nearby Veterans Memorial Park, and more.
The event will close with fireworks at dusk in Middle Park.
The city also is advising that during that holiday weekend (July 3-5) Spruce Hills Drive will be closed from 18th Street to Cumberland Square Drive for set up, the festival itself, and tear down. Access to Cumberland Square businesses will be on Spruce Hills near Azteca and on 18th Street.
For more information about the City’s Fourth of July Festivities, visit www.bettendorf.org/4thofJuly.
