Tug-of-war is a great summertime game for kids, adults and states. That's right, there is an actual tug-of-war between states. This year the contest between Illinois and Iowa takes place on Saturday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the 24th Annual Great River Tug Fest. This event features the only tug-of-war across the Mississippi River.
A 2,400-foot, 680-pound rope is stretched from Port Byron, Illinois to LeClaire, Iowa. The great state of Illinois is represented by ten teams of 20 brawny male pullers and 1 team of 25 determined female pullers who compete against teams from Iowa for bragging rights. The state with the most winning teams gets to take home the Alabaster Eagle trophy. I am happy to report that Illinois has 13 victories compared to 10 wins for Iowa.
The festival also includes a parade, 5K run/walk, carnival, live music, food and fireworks over the Mississippi River. Port Byron is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Des Plaines, so it is close enough for a day trip, or a weekend getaway.
If you go to cheer, let us know who wins. (I'm sure it will be Illinois). Here are some good books for the road:
A 2,400-foot, 680-pound rope is stretched from Port Byron, Illinois to LeClaire, Iowa. The great state of Illinois is represented by ten teams of 20 brawny male pullers and 1 team of 25 determined female pullers who compete against teams from Iowa for bragging rights. The state with the most winning teams gets to take home the Alabaster Eagle trophy. I am happy to report that Illinois has 13 victories compared to 10 wins for Iowa.
The festival also includes a parade, 5K run/walk, carnival, live music, food and fireworks over the Mississippi River. Port Byron is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Des Plaines, so it is close enough for a day trip, or a weekend getaway.
If you go to cheer, let us know who wins. (I'm sure it will be Illinois). Here are some good books for the road:
The Dangerous Book for Boys
The Adventurous Book of Outdoor Games
Ripley's Believe It or Not: Fun and Games
The Mighty Mississippi
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