What is Tug Fest all about?

            It began in 1987, with ten 20-member tug teams pulling with all of their strength on a 2,400 foot, 680 pound rope that spans the Mississippi River between Port Byron, Illinois and LeClaire, Iowa.   Each year the teams pull to see who will claim the breath-taking alabaster statue of a Bald Eagle in flight.  Over 35,000 people view this spectacular and only tug-of-war across the longest river in the United States.  Tug Fest has been featured in travel, vacation magazines, television programming across the country and has received international notoriety in 2004 on Germany's "Inside the USA" and in 2007 on "Galileo XXL" filmed by Maximusfilms Germany.  In June of 2007, The Montel Williams show featured Tug Fest on National TV as Montel interviewed Angela Mapes, IA President and Matt Thoene, IA Tug Master.

As we celebrate our 22nd year in 2008, our "Parrot" Theme with a surprised twist to be announced soon will feature one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi and two-state area on Friday evening.  Tug Fest is a family week-end event filled with live entertainment, a huge parade, scenic 5K run/walk for adults and children, Evans United Rides and amusements, food, craft vendors, children's games and activities including a child's tug, a Mayoral tug, and the TUG - Iowa against Illinois, all on the beautiful LeClaire, IA and Port Byron, IL riverfronts.  To top it all off, we're bringing in outstanding top name entertainment both Friday and Saturday night. 

Tug Fest, a non-profit corporation, is totally organized by volunteers and relies on support from our community and local businesses to make this event happen.  Tug Fest benefits local organizations and charities such as; cub scouts, boy scouts, girl scouts, youth baseball programs, lions clubs, park & recreations, volunteer fire department, chamber of commerce, Buffalo Bill Museum, Scott County Sheriff's department and local charities of choice chosen by each tug team.   Visit our sponsor page for sponsorship opportunities.