Historical LeClaire, Iowa has a penchant for fun times and is always coming up with new events to attract people to town. Many people who are aware of the fun to be had in LeClaire return year after year; while others are looking forward to attending LeClaire's events for their first time.

"We often hear how much people love LeClaire or that they need to come visit LeClaire, because they have heard so many great things," stated Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager. "We think the events sometimes are what first attracts a person to our town, and we like to keep fresh, new things happening to bring people back who have visited before."

A new event that is a spin-off from an event LeClaire has traditionally had is "French Market Days". In years past, LeClaire hosted "May Market Days" that included sidewalk sales, artists and musicians. "French Market Days" will be an extension of that event with a French twist. It will include a parasol decorating contest for the businesses, "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races for the kids, Rue du Marche - vendors in the alley just off Cody Road, plant sales, an afternoon tea, art and craft classes, and much more. Organizer, Terri Applegate says, "French Market Days includes something for everyone - all ages and interests. We are having a plant sale put on by our Rec Board. The plants are extras from our parks and the proceeds will go back into improving our parks, so it is a win-win." French Market Days take place on May 17 and 18. Details and pre-registration for the afternoon tea and craft classes can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

Another fun event that it is scheduled in June is the 3rd Annual "Girls' Getaway Weekend" on June 21 and 22. This event has attracted local women and visitors from out-of-town who stay overnight to enjoy the many exciting Friday and Saturday activities. This year's event is bigger and better than ever. Saturday evening, special guest Anthony Ryan Auld, winner of the 2013 Project Runway All Stars, will speak about becoming a Top Fashion Designer and what it's like being on a reality TV show. Complete details and registration can be found at www.leclairegirlsgetaway.com.

A popular event with many local residents and visitors is "LeClaire Garage Sale Days" on June 7 and 8. If you enjoy "picking" in your own back yard, LeClaire is a great place to find elusive treasures. You can always stop by Antique Archaeology - home of the American Pickers - and see what fresh picks they have, too.

On the "First Friday" of each month, LeClaire has a mini-festival of sorts from 5:30 - 8:00 pm with stores staying open late, restaurants offering specials, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Wide Rivery Winery offering food and drink sampling. Details can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

Monthly "Trivia Nights" are scheduled through July and a car show or two is also in the works for this summer. On August 3rd, the Heartland British Auto Fest will be taking place on the LeClaire riverfront. Also coming up in August is the world famous "Tug Fest" and in October LeClaire will have the annual "Apple Fest", "Dogtober Fest", "Hallowine" and "Witches' Walk". "Christmas in LeClaire" in December is always a popular tradition among visitors and LeClaire residents.

A complete list of LeClaire events can be found at http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

For more information on LeClaire visit www.visitleclaire.com.

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