The 23rd annual IOWA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL & Gathering o'Celts will expand its grounds this year to create more room for large living history demonstrations and games of skill activities.
>    It will run on all three days of Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-25-26th, from 11am to 6pm. It takes place at the pastoral and shaded Middle Amana community park in the heart of the Amana Colonies.
>    This year will also see an added performance space and additional artisan merchants, along with several new food stalls. All of the novelty foods, drinks and treats booths will return, along with the beer garden.
>    The hi-lights of the entertainment roster will be Joust Evolution's latest equestrian arena spectacular, Clann Tartan's large outdoor museum & living history village, three children's shows including the Jester Puppet's "Punch & Judy" show which earned 'Best New Act' at the festival last year, the Blue Rose Mermaid in her pond, two new celtic bands -- Clearly Guilty from Kansas City and Silverthorn from eastern Iowa, the living statue performance artist Katelyn McBurney, Have Court Will Travel royal entourage, Shattock Schoole of Defense and Sons of the Mist.
>    Added to the games and activities roster will be the public participatory sword fencing challenge, DaVinci's bubble machine and a treasure hunt.
>    One of the featured aspects of the event are the 60 artisan crafts merchants who will be demonstrating their skills and offering for sale unique items that usually can only be found at a Renaissance Faire.
>    The Iowa Renaissance Festival, known as 'Iowa's Best Family Fest', has grown into a regional event drawing repeat patrons from neighboring states.
>    Admission will remain $10 for adults, $6 for kids from ages 6 to 13 and free for children 5 and under. Parking is free. All tickets can be obtained at the entrance gate.
>    For location and direction information go to www.amanacolonies.com. For details about the festival see the new website layout at www.iowarenfest.com or contact greg@festint.com (641) 357-5177.
>                                                    -30-
>
> CONTACT: Greg Schmidt                                
>                 641-357-5177
>                 greg@festint.com

(Rock Island, IL)–Royal Neighbors of America will host a kick-off ceremony for a new Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities home in Davenport, IA, on May 6, 2014. Women volunteers will be welcome throughout the year, with special build days set aside for female crews only. To volunteer, call Barb Hiesterman at (563) 359-9066.

WHAT: Kick-off ceremony for a Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities home

WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 2014; 8 a.m.

WHERE: 6400 Appomattox, Davenport, IA

CONTACT: Sarah Reemtsma, (309) 732-8348 or (563) 343-7770

Royal Neighbors' partnership with Habitat began back in the 90s when it was part of a "blitz build" in Kansas City, MO. Other projects included building homes in Rock Island and Moline, IL, Moorhead, MN, and San Angelo, TX, and sponsoring The First Ladies Build and the Women Building a Legacy project.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, visit www.royalneighbors.org or

call (800) 627-4762.

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 05/02/2014

 

The June 2014 Chamber Newsletter will soon be in production to be delivered to Every Business and Home within the 52753 zipcode area!! Advertising rates remain: 1/8 page: $75; ¼ page: $100; ½ page: $125; full page: $250. Just send your ad information to LeClaireChamber@gmail.com, and we will forward it on to House of Print for you. Many of you signed up for each 2014 1/4ly issue and will get your 10% discount and may update your ad for June! No cost assistance in developing an advertisement is available through House of Print. If you would rather work with House of Print directly, send your ad to HouseofPrint@mchsi.com, and please copy LeClaireChamber@gmail.com Deadline May 9th, 5:00 p.m. Chamber Members - Get the word out about your business or events and be ready for SUMMER!

 

CALENDAR

 

May 2^nd - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8 p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company - Food and Spirit Tastings and Live Music by Bobby Bush - www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery - Wine and Music on the Mississippi - Live Music, Danika Holmes, 5-8 p.m. - www.wideriverwinery.com

Faithful Pilot - Live Music with The Matriarchs beginning at 7:30

Aunt Hattie's - Come in for a Rum Chata Pudding Cup!

Razzleberries - Booze Cake while it lasts!

Bierstube - Karaoke - 9pm-1am

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

May 2^nd-3^rd - French Market Days - LeClaire

Friday, May 2nd

Book Sale at LeClaire Community Library

*2-3pm: Piano Roll Banner Class includes supplies and refreshments.

*5:30pm: Book Page Wreath Class includes supplies and refreshments.

5:30-8pm: First Friday including Mississippi River Distilling Co.'s tour, food and drink sampling and live music in the courtyard at Wide River Winery, and much more!

Saturday, May 3rd

Mother's Day Shopping Specials

*9am-noon: Cookie decorating class. Learn to do professional cookie decorating and take some home! $35 at Medic EMS Community Room

10am-noon: Children's FREE "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races on the Levee.

10am-4pm: French Flea Market on the Levee. Parking spaces full of treasures will be sold on the spot from the participants just like they do in Europe.

3-6pm: LeClaire's Riverfront Farmer's Market includes fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty snacks.

Book Sale at LeClaire Community Library - $1 bag day.

 

May 3^rd - Our Lady of the River Catholic Church 3^rd Annual Trivia Night 2800 216th Street Place, LeClaire, IA. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts at 6:30 p.m. $10 per person. Drinks and Cinco de Mayo themed Food for sale. Participants may bring food and soda, beer or wine.  Ages 12 or older may play.  Door prizes, pay out to top 2 teams.  Proceeds will go to the Parish Hall Remodel Project.  Contact Janice at tjvrom@gmail.com or (563)289-3232 for table reservations and more information.

 

May 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th - Bierstube Cinco De Mayo Specials $3 Margaritas, $4 Chips and Queso and $8 Beef or German Nachos

 

May 5^th - Cinco de Mayo - watch for events and specials at local businesses!

 

May 7th - Faithful Pilot - IPTV Television Show Iowa Ingredient will be filming and doing a feature story on Chef Robert and The Faithful Pilot

 

May 9^th - My Lady Downton Abbey Inspired Workshop - Reusable Usables 6:30-9ish. $35 per person (includes all materials) Prepaid only - class size limited to 10. Paint and apply found objects, ephemera, laces, fabric and more. Prepay by visiting store or website. BYOB. Adults Only. No Refunds! 563-289-3946. www.reusableusables.org

 

May 9^th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi The Old 57's - 5-8 p.m.

 

May 9^th - Bierstube Karaoke 9pm-1am

 

May 10^th - Bierstube - Live Music The Fry Daddys 8pm- 12am

 

May 11^th - Faithful Pilot Mother's Day Brunch $30.00 per person seating at 10:00 & 12:30.  3 courses for $30.00. No coupons or discounts allowed.

 

May 11th - Bierstube Mothers' Day Brunch - $10- 8am -1pm. Breakfast menu available 7am-10:30am and lunch menu available at 10:30am.

 

May 13^th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Blue Iguana LeClaire, noon. Everyone welcome!

 

May 14^th - Spring Concert at the LeClaire Community Library with 'Spiked Lobelia'. 6pm. Spiked Lobelia says they are both a prairie flower and a band, "Old time country/Irish/Bluegrass/eclectic goodness through & through". Bring a snack and friends for this fun family-friendly event in the brick courtyard outside the library, weather permitting. (Rain location is inside the library).

 

May 15th - Faithful Pilot - Free Iowa Distilling Company Tasting from 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Come try some local spirits for FREE!

 

May 16^th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Jordan Danielsen, 5-8 p.m.

 

May 16^th - Bierstube Karaoke 9pm-1am

 

May 17^th - Go Fish "Kick off to Summer" Party! Live music by Keep off the Grass on the outdoor patio from 7-11pm. Princeton.

 

May 17^th - Trivia Night Benefiting the LeClaire Lions Club LeClaire Civic Club. Doors open 6:30pm; game starts 7pm. $10 per person.  Bring your own, or purchase refreshments.

 

May 18th - Faithful Pilot Spring Wine Tasting 3-5 p.m. $15.00 per person

 

May 19th - Economic Development Meeting - City Hall - 8:00 a.m.

 

May 19th - Faithful Pilot VINO VASO A glass to paint and to drink.  $40.00 per person. Wine glass, cheese, crackers, one complimentary glass of wine, and painting! 6:00 p.m. Reservations -Vino Vaso's Facebook page.

 

May 20^th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire - Women's Mini-Retreat 9:30 am to 12 noon, cost $6.Call Pastor Melody, 563-381-7777.

 

May 23^rd - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Olivia Dvorak, 5-8 p.m.

 

May 23^rd - Bierstube - Live Music The Old 57's 9pm-1am

 

May 24^th - Bierstube Karaoke 9pm-1am

 

May 26th - Faithful Pilot Closed for Memorial Day

 

May 30^th - Wide River Winery LeClaire - Music on the Mississippi Pieces of Candy, 5-8 p.m.

 

Save the Date

 

June 21^st - Buffalo Bill Museum - Annual John Boesch Memorial Golf Outing 8 a.m. Clinic with Golf Pro Matt Boesch. Shotgun Start 9 a.m. Olathea Golf Course, LeClaire IA.  $65/person, includes cart and lunch. Hole prizes, Silent Auction. Don't golf? Join us for lunch $7! Call the museum today to reserve your place in this annual fundraiser! 563-289-5580.

 

Serving the Community and Beyond

 

First Children's Finance and Scott County Kids will recognize Kiddie Karrasel Academy of LeClaire in celebration of the accomplishments of the child care businesses participating in the Scott County Growth Fund Program. Other local schools, preschools and day care centers will also be honored at Isle of Capri on May 6^th by invitation only. Congratulations Kiddie Karrasel Academy!

 

FYI

 

The LeClaire Tourism Board is now seeking applications for individuals interested in filling an upcoming vacancy on the Tourism Board representing retail. Board applications are available at City Hall during regular business hours or may be downloaded from the City's website (home page, left-hand side). For this upcoming vacancy consideration, completed applications and any accompanying information must be received at City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014. Any and all applications timely received will be reviewed by the Board and a decision will be made on June 2, 2014. Board position to begin on July 1, 2014. If anyone has any questions or if you need further information, please feel free to contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com.

 

Celebration Belle 2014 Cruising Season April 2nd - October 31st.  Make reservations online at www.celebrationbelle.com or call 1-800-297-0034

 

Buffalo Bill Museum archives are now open to the public for research on local and regional history, genealogies and more!

August 10^th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4^th Tuesday of each month.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Sale or Lease/Purchase - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

May-Oct - Farmer's Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

June 6-7 - City Wide Garage Sales

August - Tug Fest

October 12- Apple Fest

October - Witch's Walk

December - Christmas in LeClaire

KINNICK STADIUM
SATURDAY - MAY 3, 2014
12:00 PM TO  2:45 PM

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 - beginning at 11:45 AM is the Annual Hawkeye Day for Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime for campers to visit with the Iowa Hawkeye football players, coaches, and staff.  Camp Courageous campers will enjoy a great lunch, provided by Martin Brothers, and a tour of the Iowa football complex.  Campers will receive from the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa special souvenirs that can be autographed by the players, coaches, and staff.

"This is one of those experiences that will never be forgotten by the campers who attend. We cannot thank enough Kirk Ferentz, along with the players and staff for this opportunity. It is heartwarming that individuals so gifted and talented and busy will take the time to spend with these special campers. Every year the players do an exceptional job, engaging the campers.  We have campers that have had a hard time falling asleep the night before, in anticipation of this big day," said Charlie Becker, Camp Courageous.