Tugfest

Tugfest happens on public grounds on both sides of the Mississippi river, and uses the streets of LeClair, Iowa, for an additional parade and festival. There are loose boundaries for the competition with a sprawl of over 35,000 people watching the competition on the banks, in small stands, and in countless small boats. It is accessible to everyone. The main theme around this festival is the massive tug-of-war competition they hold. Teams of 20 compete on opposite side of the river using a 2,700 foot, 680 lb rope, stretching between LeClair and Port Byron. It attracts many locals as well as decent amounts of visitors, due to its small $5 fee. It is a major event for the area, and has grown to include a food fest, parade, firework show, and 5k run. The towns organize this event along with help from the coast guard to shut down the river for the day. No group is negatively affected by this festival, though river barge traffic must be stopped for several hours.