LeClaire will host Patriot Hunts Riverfest, a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The event, with free admission, will include a car show, antiques, craft vendors, military vehicles, food trucks and more.
Some of the activities at the event will include:
- Kids’ Fishing Derby, 8-10 a.m., at the south end of the levee. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m.
- The Patriot Hunts Riverfest opening ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m., will feature a bagpipe performance, the local American Legion’s “presentation of colors,” followed by a LeClaire scout troop carrying a large flag, and LeClaire Mayor Dennis Gerard presenting a wreath at the Veterans Memorial on the Levee in LeClaire. The Patriot Guard then will assist one of LeClaire’s Boy Scout troops in folding the large flag, while the meaning of each fold is read aloud. Patriot Hunts CEO Ken Barnard also is scheduled to speak to the crowd.
- An area for craft vendors and kid-friendly crafts will open at 10 a.m. at the pavilion on the levee as well as a “cruise-in” for classic cars, and a section for tractors and other antiques, including supervised tractor “drives” for kids. Military vehicles also will be on display with representatives from each branch of the service.
- The north end of the levee will include food trucks and food vendors, a beer tent with soft drinks and water as well, and music will be starting at 1:30 p.m.
- After 4 p.m., entry to the Riverfest will cost $10 per person with music, food, and fun continuing until midnight.
All proceeds from Riverfest will benefit Patriot Hunts, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation founded by Mr. Barnard and his wife, Pam, to provide outdoor adventures at no charge for military veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families of fallen soldiers who qualify to participate.
“I wanted to introduce every combat veteran, LEO, and Gold Star family that was interested in the outdoors to go out and experience it, whether for the first time, or reintroduce them to the great outdoors and all it has to offer,” Mr. Barnard said.
Wendy Bloomingdale and Annette Black are co-chairs of the Patriot Hunts Riverfest.
“R&R Sports has put on an adult fishing tournament that happens around Father’s Day to benefit Patriot Hunts and we wanted to expand on that idea with the Riverfest,” Ms. Bloomingdale says.
“We also decided to make it an event where parents and kids could enjoy some family time at no charge followed by something specifically for adults in the evening with a gate charge to help raise money,” she added. “We hope to make a big donation to Patriot Hunts as every band has donated their time, and we could not have done this without the support of so many people in LeClaire.”
