The Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf recently opened their new land-based gaming and entertainment facility, and now they are welcoming 400 cars and 1,200 people for the week-long Pontiac Oakland Club International Annual Convention.
The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau started working with this group two years ago to secure the 2016 convention date. It will have a $1.7 million economic impact on the local economy.
Throughout July 12-16, the club has many outings planned for attendees including a tour to the Pontiac Museum in Pontiac, Illinois; tours of ALCOA and John Deere Harvester Works, drives to downtown Davenport, LeClaire and Clinton; and a dinner cruise on the Celebration Belle leaving from the Isle Casino’s dock. There are also seminars, meetings, guest speakers, vendors, and swap meet.
On Friday, July 15, the Cordova International Raceway hosts drag racing for attendees from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, July 16, there is a FREE car show open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Isle Casino Hotel’s west parking lot.
This convention is hosted by the local Blackhawk Chapter of Pontiac Oakland Club International. Founded in 1972, the purpose of the Pontiac Oakland Club International is to pool together as much information as possible to assist Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC owners in the restoration and preservation of their vehicles, to promote interest in Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC vehicles, their history, restoration, preservation and, above all, to make owning a Pontiac, Oakland, or GMC an enjoyable experience. www.poci.org
