Fourth of July Fireworks, Nolan Ryan bobblehead, Tote Bag giveaway, Rascal's Birthday & more

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 3, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits, Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, battle the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Class0A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, in a three-game series from Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6, before hosting the Kane County Cougars, Class-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, at Modern Woodmen Park from Tuesday, July 8m through Thursday, July 10. Tickets are still available on riverbandits.com or by calling the box office at (563) 324-3000.

Due to flood waters around Modern Woodmen Park, a pedestrian bridge will allow access to the ballpark.

Parking under the Centennial Bridge and in the Florian Keen Parking Lot adjacent to the ballpark will be unavailable due to flooding.

Fans may use public parking in downtown Davenport.

Parking is Free at the following locations:

Davenport City Lot at West 5th St. & Brady St.

Davenport City Lot at West 5th St. & Main St.

Scott County Courthouse Lots:

- 5th St. & Ripley St.

- 5th St. & Western Ave.

- Lot between Western & Gaines

- Lot between Scott & Western

Community Healthcare Parking Lot

German American Heritage Center Parking Lot

Parking is available in the following Pay Garages ($5 special event parking price):

Redstone Ramp

Harrison Ramp

River Center Ramp

*Two golf carts will be in use to assist fans who need a ride to and from the parking lots and walking bridge.

Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the homestand.

Friday, July 4, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD, & WLLR
- Fourth of July Fireworks Show presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD & WLLR - The River Bandits will offer all fans an expanded and free postgame fireworks show on the Fourth of July

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, July 5, 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: 101.3 KISS-FM, Mediacom & the Dispatch-Argus 

- Nolan Ryan Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Mediacom & the Dispatch-Argus - The first 1,500 fans will receive a bobblehead of Nolan Ryan, the Hall-of-Fame pitcher who won 324 games in his 27-year career with a major league-record 5,714 strikeouts. 

- Battle of the Badges Softball Game - The Davenport Police & Fire Departments will face the Rock Island Police & Fire Departments in a softball game from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. The event will raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City.

- Fan Appreciation Saturday presented by 103.1 KISS-FM - There will be tables for a balloon artist and face painter on the concourse.

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, July 6, 5:00 p.m. (Gates open at 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Hy-Vee, KWQC & B100 

- Hy-Vee Tote Bag Giveaway - The first 1,000 fans will receive a Hy-Vee tote bag.

- Halloween Night - All fans who dress up in costume will receive $1 off their ticket price. There will be a pregame costume parade, trick-or-treating around the ballpark and a costume contest in which the winner will take home a prize. 

- Family Sunday presented by KWQC & B100 - The River Bandits will be on the field 4:15-4:30 p.m. for autographs. Following the game, Kids Run the Bases. Fans can also bring their dogs for Bark in the Park.

- Half-price Ferris wheel rides, $2 beer and soda, $1 peanuts and popcorn - To celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend, the River Bandits will offer discounts on Ferris wheel rides and concessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday, July 8, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Pepsi, WOC & Q-106.5

- Disco Night - Step back in time with '70s pricing on food and beer. Fans will be able to purchase $2 beer, $3 premium and $1 hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and peanuts.

- Buy-One-Get-One Free Tickets - All regular individual tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesdays the rest of the regular season.

- Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free meal at the ballpark.

- Dew for Twosday - Fans can bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew.

Wednesday, July 9, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: U.S. Bank, Mix 96  

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank & Mix 96 - Fans can bring copies of their unpaid bills to Modern Woodmen Park and enter them in a drawing to be paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The team will randomly select two to be paid.

- Rascal's Birthday Bash - Other mascots from the region will join Rascal in a pregame celebration on his birthday.

- Jimmy Buffett Night - Fans will be able to enjoy special margarita specials, as well as Jimmy Buffett player headshots and music throughout the game.

Thursday, July 10, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Modern Woodmen Bank, Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader 

- Thirst-day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials throughout the game.

- Buy One-Get One presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union - All Thursday tickets for IHMVCU members are buy-one, get-one free. Fans must show membership at the box office to receive the ticket special.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return home for the Fourth of July weekend, beginning with a 7 p.m. game Friday, July 4, to be followed by Fourth of July Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

After legislation passes Senate hurdle, Congressman continues push to ensure all federal flags are made in USA

Washington, D.C. - On the eve of the Independence Day holiday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged his colleagues to pass the All-American Flag Act, which would require the federal government to purchase 100 percent made-in-America flags .

"The idea that the federal government should only use American-made flags is commonsense?and it's an idea that has widespread and bipartisan support," Braley said. "The All-American Flag Act can and should become law, and there's no better time to make that happen than the month we're celebrating America's independence."

Last week, the All-American Flag Act unanimously passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Four years ago, the Braley-authored All-American Flag Act passed the House unanimously?but did not receive a Senate vote. Braley reintroduced the All-American Flag Act in 2013, and it awaits action in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee?a committee headed by Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD).

"The American flag will forever be a symbol that reinforces our nation's commitment to freedom and democracy," Braley's letter to Issa and Cummings reads.

The letter to Issa and Cummings can be found HERE.

Although Red, White & Boom is cancelled due to flooding, there are plenty of other ways to get your fireworks fix around the Quad Cities this Fourth of July weekend. Browse the list of places to go for fireworks shows provided by the Quad City Times here. That said, downtown Davenport is OPEN FOR BUSINESS thanks to the incredible flood-fighting protection from the City of Davenport Public Works crews!  Plan to visit downtown this weekend!

 The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival kicks off today on Second Street between Brady and Ripley Streets. Additional workshops will be held in the River Music Experience, too. Please note that the Redstone Parking Ramp will be open and accessible via temporary 2-way traffic on Brady Street. With live music, free workshops, BlueSKool, a photo exhibit, and more, a busy and fun weekend lies ahead! Come on out and show your love for blues in the QC.

 The time has come for the return of G. Love & Special Sauce to Downtown Davenport! Tonight, River Music Experience hosts the hip-hop/blues crew in the Redstone Room. Sample RME and Great River Berwery's new brew, Vintage Blonde, during their Sneak Peek Tasting before tonight's show. Great River Brewery will host the Vintage Blonde Official Tapping Party on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds from this beer will help support RME music educational programming!  Make note that RME will remain open July 4th and 5th for MVBS events.

 Crews have been hard at working putting up a temporary ramp leading to Modern Woodmen Park so the Quad Cities River Bandits can play ball! Bring the family out tomorrow night for Fourth of July Fireworks, an amazing view of the river,  and to cheer on the River Bandits as they face the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Head back Saturday for Fan Appreciation day and Sunday for pregame autographs, bark in the park, and a Hy-Vee tote bag giveaway.

 The rising river doesn't keep fresh goods from coming downtown. The Farmer's Market will be open this weekend on 4th Street at the Scott County Office between Western and Gains. Although the Farmer's Market is moving for the weekend, remember that Quad Cities Food Hub, Front Street Brewery, the Front Street Tap Room, and the rest of the businesses downtown are all still open and accessible.   Fresh Deli by Nostalgia Farms will be closed for the holiday, but back open on July 5th.

Stay up-to-date with street closures, detours, and flood protection information by visiting the City of Davenport's website.

The 2014 - 2015 Season includes:  JERSEY BOYS, SISTER ACT, GUYS AND DOLLS, BLUE MAN GROUP, and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER.  The special add-on show for the season is MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis.

Subscriptions to this exciting season are now on sale!  Prices range from $180 to $315 depending on series package and seating choice.  For more information, call 563-326-8522. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale as each performance date approaches.  

New subscriber orders will be processed in the order they are received after all current subscribers' renewal requests have been processed.  All seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.