Tug Fest - Illinois

Tug Fest - Illinois The only tug-of-war across the Mississippi River! Port Byron, IL vs. LeClaire, IA! Thanks to Port Byron State Bank for lending the money to buy the first rope.

The Beginning - How this all got started

In 1987, Scott Verbeckmoes while in Michigan saw a similar but smaller event and thought it would be a good idea to have one in Port Byron, it was a hard sell for the people of Illinois and Iowa to get it off the ground, but these original committee members succeeded:

Co- Chairmans Keith Speckman and Chas. “Boots” Knapp
Denise Bowers
Kathy Augsbuger
Patty

Kemp
Connie Eckermann
Ciel Abbott
Fred & Lavern Walbusser
Frank and Sandy James

The original rope used up until its retirement in 2006 was purchased from Trever’s True Value, Port Byron, IL in 4 separate coils of 600’ each. Jerry Oppendike spliced the ropes together for the 2400 feet needed to cross the river. Don Johnson and Harry Cort from Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric put the rope on the reel and for several years helped put the rope across the river. Jerry Lancaster was the first announcer of the event. First Queen contest winner was Heidi Drummond. The first year was also still called Hobo days and the first tug was straight up Cherry Street from the docks. The Alabaster Eagle is a traveling trophy that was originally purchased by Betty and Boots Knapp from Kliems in Bettendorf, Iowa. Keith Speckman made the showcase the following year. These were the first, but the continued success is due to all of the volunteers who have come and gone over the years and a huge Thank you should be given to all who have participated in this great event.

A huge thank you to Enright's Car Wash for their sponsorship! We truly appreciate the support from our local businesses....
06/05/2026

A huge thank you to Enright's Car Wash for their sponsorship! We truly appreciate the support from our local businesses. Community support is what helps make Tug Fest possible!

We are so thankful to have businesses like Enright's Car Wash supporting our community. Thank you for helping keep our vehicles clean and for helping make Tug Fest a success! 🚗✨

A huge thank you to Strada Communications for their generous sponsorship of Tug Fest! We are incredibly grateful for the...
06/05/2026

A huge thank you to Strada Communications for their generous sponsorship of Tug Fest! We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our local businesses.
Thank you, Strada Communications, for investing in local events and helping keep this tradition alive!

👑✨ 2026 Tug Fest - Illinois Prince & Princess Pageant ✨👑SIGN UP TODAY!Do you have a little prince or princess who loves ...
06/04/2026

👑✨ 2026 Tug Fest - Illinois Prince & Princess Pageant ✨👑

SIGN UP TODAY!

Do you have a little prince or princess who loves to shine?
Join us for the 2026 Tug Fest - Illinois Prince & Princess Pageant on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Gazebo in Downtown Port Byron!

📅 Application deadline: August 1, 2026

We are also looking for volunteers to help make this special event possible! If you'd like to help with the kids' pageant, please send us a message.

⬇️ SIGN UP HERE ⬇️

https://givebutter.com/FVlYRL

A huge thank you to Ascent Construction for their sponsorship and support of Tug Fest!We truly appreciate businesses tha...
06/04/2026

A huge thank you to Ascent Construction for their sponsorship and support of Tug Fest!
We truly appreciate businesses that continue to support our community and help keep local traditions alive. Your generosity and support mean so much to all of us. Thank you for being part of what makes Tug Fest so special! 💙

🎉 We are so thankful for all of the wonderful businesses that sponsor TugFest! Their generosity and commitment to our co...
06/04/2026

🎉 We are so thankful for all of the wonderful businesses that sponsor TugFest! Their generosity and commitment to our communities help make this event possible year after year.

A huge thank you to River City Alternative Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture for their generous donation and support!!!!

🎨✨ Tug Fest Kids Craft Fair is Back — and It's FREE! ✨🎨Join us for Tug Fest Family Night on Thursday, August 13th, and s...
06/02/2026

🎨✨ Tug Fest Kids Craft Fair is Back — and It's FREE! ✨🎨

Join us for Tug Fest Family Night on Thursday, August 13th, and support our young entrepreneurs and creators at the Kids Craft Fair!

Kids' craft/vendor booths are completely FREE, giving children the opportunity to showcase their creativity, sell their handmade items, and experience running their own booth during one of the biggest community events of the year.

📅 Kids Craft Fair Details
Date: Thursday, August 13th
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Setup: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Main Street, Port Byron

Whether you're a young artist, crafter, baker, or maker, we'd love to have you join us for a fun-filled evening during Tug Fest Family Night!

📋 The sign-up link is HERE:
https://givebutter.com/kids-business-night-7bt74g

-includes additional details about the event, booth requirements, setup information, and everything you'll need to know to participate.

Tug Fest would like to extend a sincere thank you to The Edge Eatery & Drinkatorium in Rapids City for their continued s...
06/02/2026

Tug Fest would like to extend a sincere thank you to The Edge Eatery & Drinkatorium in Rapids City for their continued support of Tug Fest!

We are incredibly grateful for local businesses that give back to our community and help keep this great tradition alive. Your generosity and commitment make a lasting impact and help ensure Tug Fest remains a fun and memorable event for everyone.

Thank you, The Edge Eatery & Drinkatorium, for being a valued Tug Fest sponsor and community partner! ❤️💪

Tug Fest is incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses that help make this community event possible year af...
06/02/2026

Tug Fest is incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses that help make this community event possible year after year. Thank you to Bitler Heating & AC for your sponsorship and commitment to our community!

Thank you, Bitler Heating & AC, for being a valued Tug Fest supporter! 🎉

Address

Main Street
Port Byron, IL
61275

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tug Fest - Illinois posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Tug Fest - Illinois:

Shortcuts

Share

Category