Quad Citians are invited to the Rock Island Arsenal for a two-day Armed Forces Day Celebration on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20.
Visitor’s passes will not be required on the island, which the Arsenal calls “your island home for military history and heritage.”
The event will feature a full carnival, live music, food trucks, vendors, military displays, car show, fireworks, and the annual Run the Rock 5K/10K and America’s Kids Run. To register for the Run the Rock 5K/10K and/or America’s Kids Run as well as to sign up for volunteer opportunities, go here.
The two-day schedule includes:
- Friday, May 19: 4 p.m. kickoff, Run The Rock/America’s Kids Run packet pick up; carnival and vendors begin; 4 p.m., opening Armed Forces Day ceremony; 5 p.m., Wicked Liz and the Belly Swirls performs; 10 p.m. closure.
- Saturday, May 20: 8:45 a.m. kickoff, carnival and vendors begin, America’s Kids Run opening remarks, and run events; 9:35 a.m. Run The Rock 5K/10K opening remarks, ceremonial opening; 10 a.m., race begins; 10:45 a.m., 5K Run The Rock awards; 11:05 a.m., 10K Run The Rock awards; 11:30 a.m., car show begins; 1 p.m. Matt Fuller Band performs; 5:30 p.m., 30 West performs; 9:15 p.m., fireworks; and 10 p.m. closure.
In a news release, Arsenal officials said:
“This is an opportunity for our collective communities to express our gratitude, admiration, and support to the men and women who have answered the noble call of service. Currently, there are more than two million men and women in uniform, serving and defending our country in every time zone, in the air, ashore, and afloat. Join us in celebrating the United States armed forces that our installation supports and plays an integral role in the successes and efforts that are the fabric of this nation’s freedom.”
