Historical LeClaire, Iowa has a penchant for fun times and enjoys hosting events to attract visitors 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 the first time.
"We often hear how much people love LeClaire or that they want to come visit LeClaire, because they have heard so many great things," stated Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager. "Sometimes the events are what first attracts a person to our town, so we like to have something special going on every month."
Coming up on April 4-5, the "4th Annual Girls' Getaway Weekend" will include a fashion show and dinner at the award-winning Steventon's Restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River with entertainment by standup comedian Bobby Ray Bunch. Also included in the weekend are a cooking class from award-winning chef, Robert Day, at the Faithful Pilot Café and a Beauty Boot Camp hosted by Carissa Evans. There will be prizes and free wine tasting at Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers. Play the LeClaire Murder Mystery game and win prizes. There will also be plenty of time to shop in the unique stores in downtown LeClaire and attend a free tour at the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Cost is $45 per person. Complete details and registration can be found at www.leclairegirlsgetaway2014.com.
In May, the "2nd Annual French Market Days" will take place. This event will include "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races for the kids sponsored by the River Valley Optimists Club, a French flea market and farmers' market on the Levee, lunch on the veranda of Vignettes with a scarf tying class, LeClaire Community Library book sale, 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 2-3. Details and can be found at www.visitleclaire.com
A popular event with many local residents and visitors is "LeClaire Garage Sale Days" on June 6 and 7. 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, live music, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Wide River Winery offering food and drink samples. Details can be found at www.visitleclaire.com
Monthly "Trivia Nights" are scheduled through May and two car shows are being planned. On August 2nd the "Heartland British Auto Fest" and on September 6th the "Vettes on the River" 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", 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.
• 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com
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