Quad Cities Communities Line Up America 250 Celebrations From Rock Falls To East Moline

The Quad Cities will spend the summer celebrating America's 250th birthday, with events stretching from April through July across communities on both sides of the Mississippi River.

News 8 compiled a list of planned events across the region, offering everything from Civil War reenactments to drone shows to patriotic tea tastings.

Rock Falls Leads With Two-Day Civil War Salute

Rock Falls tourism will host a two-day "Salute to America" event on June 13 and 14 at the RB&W District Park, located at 201 E. 2nd Street.

The event features a full slate of historical programming:

• 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Taylors Battery, 1st Illinois Light Artillery Co. B, will demonstrate original Civil War artillery pieces and portray the daily lives of soldiers in authentic period uniforms. Cannon fire demonstrations will occur throughout the day.
• 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Major Richard Conover, portrayed by Ron Kirchgessner, will present a Civil War medical instruments display and explain the challenges faced by field surgeons.
• 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Visitors can meet Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Kevin Wood, ask questions, and pose for photos.
• 11 a.m. — The Rock Valley Barbershop Chorus will perform patriotic favorites.
• 1 p.m. — A public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the RB&W District amphitheater, followed by a presentation titled "Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom" featuring speeches from both General Lee and General Grant.
• 3 p.m. — River Country Stomp will perform line dancing at the amphitheater.

Food and drinks will be available from the Rock Falls American Legion Post 902, Flip Side Coffee & Espresso Bar, and Golden Wheels, which will serve Culver's Custard.

Bettendorf Library Offers Free Patriotic Programs

The Bettendorf Public Library will host several free programs leading up to the July 4th holiday:

• Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. — A musical sing-along about the Founding Fathers, complete with popcorn and lemonade.
• Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. — Adult crafts with Debbie Ford from Parkside Treasure House in Orion, who will teach participants how to make patriotic star ornaments using diamond painting. Registration is required.
• Saturday, June 20 at 10 a.m. — The Iowa Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will present a talk on Camp McClellan, a former Union Army camp in Davenport founded in August 1861 that served as a training area, hospital, and eventually a prison camp.
• Friday, June 26 at 1 p.m. — A tea tasting event with Rebecca Sebastian of Sunlight Media, where attendees will learn about teas from the Boston Tea Party era and vote on whether U.S. tea or English tea is better. Registration is required.
• Wednesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. — A drop-in American Girl Doll Party featuring era-themed crafts and activities.

Aledo Expands July 4th Traditions

The City of Aledo is expanding its Independence Day celebrations under a banner called "Liberty and Legacy."

"This is a national celebration of American history and legacy, and Aledo is excited to create these opportunities for everyone to celebrate," said Michael Chausse, Aledo's City Administrator. "Independence Day is a significant holiday here, and we look forward to the turnout for our traditional events and this year's expanded festival."

The schedule includes:

• July 3, 6 to 7 p.m. — The "American Journey: 250 Years of Liberty & Legacy" parade from North College Avenue to Central Park. Float entries are open for submission until June 15.
• July 4, 7 to 10 a.m. — A pancake breakfast hosted by the Aledo Fire Department, plus Dr. Ford's Frog Races in Central Park.
• July 4, noon — A concert in Central Park.
• July 4, 1 p.m. — The national "Sea to Shining Sea" bell-ringing ceremony.
• July 4, 3 p.m. — The Liberty & Legacy Festival at the Mercer County Fairgrounds with live music, family activities, a fireworks display, and a drone show.
• July 8, 4:45 p.m. — A "Spirit of America" reading in Central Park.

Clinton Ties 250 Mile Challenge To Independence Day

Clinton's 4th of July Festival is adding a cycling challenge to its annual lineup. Teams will pedal 250 miles between June 27 and July 4. Teams with the most total miles and highest average miles per rider will be awarded.

The festival itself runs on July 4 at Riverview Park and includes:

• Food vendors opening at 11 a.m.
• A parade at 1 p.m.
• A petting zoo, free carnival games, free bounce houses, and a dunk tank.
• The Danny's Book Club Band at 2:15 p.m.
• Central Empire Wrestling matches at 4:30 p.m.
• A LumberKings vs. Burlington Bees game at 6:30 p.m.
• Fireworks following the game.

A four-mile "Red, White, Run" race will start at 8 a.m. at LumberKings Stadium on July 4.

East Moline Opens July 3 With Fireworks

East Moline will kick off its celebrations on July 3 at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

The evening includes:

• Fireworks
• A Kids' Zone from 6 to 8:15 p.m. with carnival games, face painting, temporary tattoos, crafts, bubble magic, and balloon creations. Tickets are $5 for 25 or 25 cents each.
• A Presentation of Colors by the First Army Color Guard at 6:40 p.m.
• The National Anthem performed by the UTHS Vocal Ensemble at 6:45 p.m.
• Live music from the Dietz Soliz Band from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m.
• Food vendors including Tacos Al Vapor, Don Monico's, Justus Treats, Little O's, Bad Boyz Pizza, Eggroll Express, Taqueria Any Lu, Me Gusta, and Little Edelweiss.

The Rock Island County Fair Board will sell adult beverages.

Communities across the Quad Cities are invited to submit additional America 250 events to news@wqad.com.