Join us for an exciting August in LeClaire - First Friday, Heartland British Auto Fest, Tug Fest, Vettes on the River, wine tasting, Riverboat Twilight cruises, Cars & Coffee, fun events at the Library, and much more! Enjoy shopping, touring, wining, and dining every day! Be sure and browse the "save the date" section at the end of this e-news and start making plans to #VisitLeClaire all year! More information about LeClaire, Iowa, can be found on our website at: www.visitleclaire.com    It's all there in LeClaire! 

August:

Thursday, August 2, 5-7pm: Bamboo Baby Boutique is having an Open House and LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. The Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30pm. Please come see one of the newest LeClaire shops that caters to babies! Unique clothing and toys for children and babies, ages newborn to seven. Featuring local and handmade Items. Special Momma Space with special goods for pampering and essentials. Sara Sampson, owner. 322 N. Cody Road * 563-289-1509

Friday, August 3, 5-11pm: First Friday fun in LeClaire!

* Antique Archaeology is open until 6pm.

* Bamboo Baby Boutique is open  from 5-6pm and offering a kids' make-and-take "sensory bag" (ages 6 months and up). All family members welcome!

* Bela is open late serving food & drink samples.

* Blue Iguana is celebrating with drink specials.

* D's Smokin' BBQ & Taphouse has food and drink specials.

* Daffodil Row is open until 6pm.

* Faithful Pilot has live music from 8-11pm.

* Green Tree Brewery has live music from 8-11pm.

* LeClaire Olive Oil Company is open late.

* Mississippi River Distilling Co. / CODY ROAD COCKTAIL HOUSE

* Razzleberries is open late.

* The Shameless Chocoholic is open until 7pm.

* Wide River Winery Tasting Room has live music from 5-8pm by Julie Jewelz & Guitar Dave. WRW's chef will be featuring flatbreads and have some fun new.

Friday, August 3, 6-9pm: Steventon's has live music by Jef Spradley on their patio with a river view.

Saturday, August 4, 9am-3pm: Quad City British Auto Club Heartland British Auto Fest. In beautiful downtown LeClaire on the Levee, this car show displays some of the area's best examples of British cars from makers such as Jaguar, MG, Mini, Triumph, and more. DJ Greg Zirbes will be providing British Invasion Rock & Roll music and announcing prizes. * Show starts at 9am - noon for car registration * Judging starts at noon * Awards presented at 3pm. Classes for most British cars. Many activities for the whole family. The Entry Form can be found at www.qcbac.com  . FREE admission for spectators. For additional information: Glen Just, phone 563-594-1993 , email [email protected] . QCBAC is a non-profit organization.

Saturday, August 4, 9-11:30am: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House. Bluegrass Breakfast - Live bluegrass music by Frankie Jo & the Kinfolk, pancakes and sausage with syrups infused with our spirits from their "Spirited Chef" Stephanie Godke, and Bloody Mary bar and breakfast cocktails.

Saturday, August 4, 9:30am: The Big Latch On is taking place at Ulmie's Nest, Royal-Tea, and Bamboo Baby Boutique. Free registration opens at 9:30am and closes at 10:15am with the actual latch taking place at 10:30am. This FREE Event is being held at Royal-Tea and Ulmie's Nest at 316 N. Cody Road, Le Claire, Iowa. The actual latch on will be behind Bamboo Baby Boutique (right next door to Royal-Tea and Ulmie's Nest). There will be giveaways and vendors in front of the three businesses. Please join in the movement to Normalize Breast Feeding while sipping tea or coffee and shopping eco-friendly mom and baby items! Groups of breastfeeding women who come together at registered locations around the world at a set time to Latch On their child for one minute will be added to the count. The goal is to beat previous Big Latch On records or maybe even the world record to normalize breastfeeding!

Saturday, August 4, 4-7pm: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House has live music by Kevin Presbrey.  

Thursday-Saturday, August 9-11: Tug Fest in LeClaire, Iowa. Carnival wristband night is on Thursday, 5-10pm; $20 for unlimited rides. Parade and huge fireworks display on Friday evening. Saturday morning there is a 5K Run/1Mile Fun Run and kids' tug is at 11am. The main event, tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois, is from 12:30-2:30pm on Saturday. $5 admission charge to the Levee on Friday and Saturday; kids 12 and under are FREE. More details can be found at www.tugfest.com 

Friday, August 10, 5-8pm:Wide River Winery Tasting Room has live music on their patio by Flash in a Pan. Their chef will be featuring flatbreads during live music Fridays and some fun new appetizers including corn fritters with chili lime sauce. 

Friday, August 10, 6-9pm: Steventon's has live music by Lewis Knudsen on their patio with a river view.

Friday, August 10, 6-9pm: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House has live music during Tug Fest.

Saturday, August 11, 7-10:30am: The Civic Club will host the Annual Tug Fest Breakfast at the Civic Club on August 11th serving from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Adults are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. We will serve pancakes, egg casserole, sausage, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, coffee and juice. Contact Joyce at 563-289-4205 for tickets or any civic club member. Look for us during Tug Fest at the pavilion playing Bingo. Cash prizes. Hope to see you!  

Saturday, August 11, 3-6pm: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House has live music by Jason Carl.  

Sunday, August 12, 11am-3pm: Letty's Designs & Home Décor is having a Fall Open House. Swing on by for 20% off ALL fall décor, swags, wreaths, and more! 110 N. Cody Road * 563-289-2359.

Sunday, August 12, 4-7pm: Blue Iguana is having a Tardeada (afternoon party) every 2nd Sunday through September. Enjoy live music from 4-7pm!

Tuesday, August 14, 6:30-9pm: Euchre Tournament at Green Tree Brewery. Friendly cards and fun! Cost is $10 per person.

Friday, August 17, 5-8pm:Wide River Winery Tasting Room has live music on their patio by Whoozdads. Their chef will be featuring flatbreads during live music Fridays and some fun new appetizers including corn fritters with chili lime sauce. 

Friday, August 17, 6-9pm: Steventon's has live music by Jordan Danielsen on their patio with a river view.

Saturday, August 18, 8-11am: Cars & Coffee - Bring your favorite ride to the beautiful riverfront Levee in LeClaire for an "all are welcome" social gathering. Weather permitting, first in, first parked. Find "Cars and Coffee LeClaire" on Facebook for updates.

Saturday, August 18, 11am, 1pm, 3pm: Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises. $20 adults, $12 children 14 and under. What better way to see the river than from the deck of an old-fashioned riverboat! Treat yourself to a 1-½ hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. These cruises will depart and return from the Port of LeClaire IA. Trip includes captivating Captain's narration and commanding views of the river, its wildlife, and quaint river towns. Cash bar and Gift Shop available. Complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade and water are available. There will be no food or snacks available, however, passengers are welcome to bring a sack lunch aboard. Sorry no coolers allowed. For online cruise reservations, go to: www.riverboattwilight.com 

Saturday, August 18, 4-7pm: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House has live music by Lojo Russo.  

Sunday, August 19, 2pm: Rock n' Roll Bingo of the Quad Cities, Inc. will host Rock n' Roll Bingo at the Civic Club . Come for the prizes, stay for the fun. Doors will open at 1pm. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 10 and under, which gets you one bag of Bingo chips with a Bingo card. Want to play two cards? Pay just $5 more. The NEW LeClaire Civic Club cookbook will also be available for just $10! Sample plates from the cookbook will be on sale for $5 during the Bingo event.  

Friday, August 24, 5-8pm:Wide River Winery Tasting Room has live music on their patio by Douglas & Tucker. Their chef will be featuring flatbreads during live music Fridays and some fun new appetizers including corn fritters with chili lime sauce. 

Friday, August 24, 6-9pm: Steventon's has live music by Bobby Ray Bunch on their patio with a river view.

Saturday, August 25: Vettes on the River in LeClaire, Iowa. This is an all-Corvette car show. Proceeds are donated to local Quad Cities' Veterans' organizations. Corvettes come from all over the country to gather along the Mighty Mississippi River in LeClaire and show off their pride and joy all while supporting our Veterans. Want to show off your Corvette? For more information, go to www.vettesontheriver.com 

Saturday, August 25, 9-11:30am: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House. Bluegrass Breakfast - Live bluegrass music, pancakes and sausage with syrups infused with our spirits from their "Spirited Chef" Stephanie Godke, and Bloody Mary bar and breakfast cocktails.

Saturday, August 25, 9:30am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm: Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises - one hour cruises. $20 adults, $12 children 14 and under. What better way to see the river than from the deck of an old-fashioned riverboat! Treat yourself to a sightseeing cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. These cruises will depart and return from the Port of LeClaire IA. Trip includes captivating Captain's narration and commanding views of the river, its wildlife, and quaint river towns. Cash bar and Gift Shop available. Complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade and water are available. There will be no food or snacks available, however, passengers are welcome to bring a sack lunch aboard. Sorry no coolers allowed. For online cruise reservations, go to: www.riverboattwilight.com 

Saturday, August 25, 4-7pm: Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Cody Road Cocktail House has live music by Molly Durnin 4-7.  

Sunday, August 26, 3-5pm: The Faithful Pilot has Wine Tasting! 15 wines for $15. Call to reserve your glass; 563-289-4156.

Tuesday, August 28, 5-7pm: 129 is hosting  Tuesday Tasting this evening. Call 563-729-1035 to reserve a glass!

Friday, August 31, 5-8pm:Wide River Winery Tasting Room has live music on their patio by Lonely Goats. Their chef will be featuring flatbreads during live music Fridays and some fun new appetizers including corn fritters with chili lime sauce. 

Friday, August 31, 6-9pm: Steventon's has live music by Douglas & Tucker on their patio with a river view.

Other news:

Wide River Winery Tasting Room has extended their hours for summer: 11am-7pm Sunday thru Wednesday, 11am-8pm Thursday, 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday. Enjoy some great wine on their patio, listen to live music every Friday from 5-8pm, or purchase a souvenir wine glass for $8 with 5 complimentary samples of wine.

The Crane & Pelican has launched an exciting New Menu (lower prices, lunch portions, 1/2 sandwiches with soup or salad, and so much more).  They are also featuring discounts throughout the week. Monday - 1/2 price Meatloaf; Tuesday - 1/2 price Beer; Wednesday - 1/2 price Wine; Thursday - 1/2 price Cocktails; Friday - Crablegs; and Saturday - Prime Rib. See their full menu at www.craneandpelican.com 

D's Smokin BBQ and Taphouse - Wednesday's are family night! 4:30-8pm Kids can meet Hambone and have their picture taken with him. Get a balloon, have their face painted, and get tattooed, too. PLUS kids eat free with every adult meal purchase.

The Faithful Pilot has a great, new menu for you to check out!

Mississippi Cottage Antiques' has original art from local artists and unique antique items from delicate glass to mission furniture. Their store is a journey worth taking, and the coffee is always hot! Check out their July sale - 11% off all furniture!

Join the Mississippi River Distilling Company and Cody Road Cocktail House "Cocktail Cruise!" If you've been to the Cody Road Cocktail House, you know how exciting and somewhat overwhelming the giant wall of cocktail choices can be. They always have 20 different feature cocktails on the menu. It's a tough choice because they are all delicious! Once you've tried one and you love it, then it's hard to veer off from a home run and try another. They want to encourage you to take a tour of all the cocktails on the menu. Each of the 20 cocktails will be numbered on the "Cocktail Cruise" card. Order each cocktail and have your card stamped. Fill it up and get free stuff and discounts in their store. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more information.

Join in on the fun at the LeClaire Community Library!

Saturday, August 4, 11am: LeClaire Community Library - Crafting with Jenn [Stenciled Wooden Signs]. Jenn Voss will teach how to paint stenciled wood signs!! No registration necessary, but class size is limited to 10. Adults and Teens only. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

 

Monday, August 6, 1:30pm: LeClaire Community Library - Monday Movie Matinee. Go grab some popcorn and watch a movie on their big screen.  Seating is limited; please arrive early to secure a seat. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

 

Tuesday, August 14, 6:30pm: LeClaire Community Library - Homeschool Mixer. They are inviting all homeschooling families to mingle with library staff and help them better understand what they can do to make the library better suited to your needs. Take the family for fun games and snacks!

 

Thursday, August 16, 5pm: LeClaire Community Library - Escape Room [Hogwarts Tower ]. You've been trapped in the tower at Hogwarts, and only your knowledge of Harry Potter can save you!  Solve riddles, follow clues, and solve puzzles to find your way out before the Death Eaters find you first. Go in today to sign up for your chance to escape. Thursday, August 16 starting at 5pm by appointment only.

 

Saturday, August 18, 11am: LeClaire Community Library - The CCC in Northeastern Iowa with author Linda McCann . The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a federal program created during the Great Depression that centered on putting young men to work and renewing our natural resources. Local author, Linda McCann, will discuss the projects created by the CCC of Northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. Go and learn more about this exciting time! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

 

Wednesday, August 22, 6:30pm: LeClaire Community Library - Adult Book Club . This month they will be reading Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls . Books are available at the library's circulation counter free of cost AND are now available as an eBook through our RiverShare Digital Library Catalog.

 

Thursday, August 23, 5pm: LeClaire Community Library - Escape Room [Hogwarts Tower ]. You've been trapped in the tower at Hogwarts, and only your knowledge of Harry Potter can save you!  Solve riddles, follow clues, and solve puzzles to find your way out before the Death Eaters find you first. Go in today to sign up for your chance to escape. Thursday, August 23 starting at 5pm by appointment only.

 

Friday, August 31, 2pm: LeClaire Community Library - Drop-In Tech Help . Take in any device and they will give it a shot! Please arrive with passwords needed to access your device or accounts.

Save the Date!

August

3  First Friday

4  Heartland British Auto Fest

4  Bluegrass Breakfast

9-11  Tug Fest

18  Cars & Coffee

18  Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises

25  Vettes on the River

25  Bluegrass Breakfast

25  Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises

September

7  First Friday

15  Cars & Coffee

15  Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises, 11am, 1pm

15  Riverboat Twilight Dinner Cruise, 5pm

22  Trivia at the Civic Center

October

5 First Friday

14  Apple Fest

20  Cars & Coffee

20  Riverboat Twilight Sightseeing Cruises

20  Trivia at the Civic Center

27  Witches' Walk

November

2  First Friday

17  Trivia at the Civic Center

24  Shop Small Saturday

December

7  First Friday

8  First Saturday

7-9  Christmas in LeClaire