Tug-of-War Across Mississippi River in the Quad-Cities

Remember your old physical education days when you pulled and grunted during a Tug-of-War battle?

Now imagine that same battle being fought across the most famous river in the United States - the Mississippi River.

One weekend every August it becomes a battle of the states between Illinois and Iowa with the wide, untamed being the dividing factor.

Yes. Two teams actually yank and heave a giant, long rope from both sides of the banks to decide who wins. One side is LeClaire, Iowa, and across the way is Port Byron, Ill.

The communities are quaint and built on historic nostalgia. But when Aug. 10-12, 2007, rolls around, thousands of people fill the towns' streets and parks to enjoy the tugging competition and a whole lot more. Festivities are planned in both towns to keep participants entertained and fed.

This year's event is dedicated to all the men and women serving in the United States military.

The 21st annual Great River Tug Fest this year will also include live performances from national country artists Steve Azar and Trent Willmon at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

Snuggled into the hills along the famous Mississippi River, both towns thrive with antique stores, quaint eateries and Victorian charm. They are located in an area called the Quad-Cities. To get there, it takes about a 2 ½-hour drive from Chicago and a five-hour drive southeast from Minneapolis, MN.

LeClaire with a population growing over 3,000 is the birthplace of Buffalo Bill, where a museum honors his past. Port Byron has a smaller population of nearly 2,000 people, and had been the first river port for steamboats.

During the tug on Saturday, 11 teams from each side compete. Organizations sponsor the teams, and much of the proceeds of the tug fest benefit community organizations. The Tug begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. For two hours, all river traffic barges and pleasure boats come to a standstill while the 2,400-foot, 680 pound rope is stretched across the river.

The town with the most wins takes the Alabaster Eagle in Flight trophy for that year. The score, so far, the two states are tied with 10 wins each. Women also get involved with their own teams, too.

Admission is only $2 and children under 12 get in free. The concert costs $10 in advance and $12 that evening.

People thought the originator of the tug fest idea was nuts. Scott Verbeckmoes, the Port Byron commissioner at the time, began getting permits from the Coast Guard and the Army Corp of Engineers. Then, people took the idea seriously, and the event has grown each year with more events and more people.

Thursday night, the carnival opens. Events on Friday begin at 3 p.m. and continue to midnight. There will be arts and crafts, the Tug Queen pageant, lots of food vendors and bands playing before and after the fireworks. Thousands of people sit for hours along the banks with their blankets and lawn chairs waiting for the spectacular show of fireworks at dusk.

Saturday gets started very early with the Fireman's pancake breakfast, Tug Fest car show, games and activities for children including their own Tug-of-War, the carnival and amusements, and the actual tug competition at 1 p.m. You can also participate in the scenic 5K run/walk for adults and children, or sit back and watch the huge, old-fashioned parade.

On Sunday, the Tug Fest volleyball tournament gets underway. No coolers, pets, bikes or skateboards are allowed on the premises during the weekend festivities.

LeClaire and Port Byron are easily accessible from Interstates 80, 74 or 88. Both towns offer a variety of accommodations including bed & breakfast lodgings, many campgrounds and motels. Other places to stay can be found just 15 minutes away in the Quad-Cities, which is the largest metropolitan area on the river between St. Louis and Minneapolis. The Quad-Cities is made up of riverfront cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois.