EXCITING NEWS!

Hello Tug Fest fans! We have some awesome news as a committee — Tug Fest is now officially approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization!

So, what does that mean? A 501(c)(3) is a federally recognized nonprofit organization. This status allows our committee to operate as an official nonprofit dedicated to supporting and growing Tug Fest for our community. It also means donations made to Tug Fest may now be tax-deductible, and it opens the door for more grants, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising efforts, and community support that will help us continue improving the festival year after year.

For our committee, this is a HUGE step forward. It gives us more opportunities to invest back into Tug Fest, bring in bigger and better activities, improve the experience for everyone attending, and continue building something our communities can be proud of for generations to come.

Our new committee has already been doing GREAT things for both the festival and the community, and this milestone is proof that we are moving in the right direction. We are so excited for the future of Tug Fest and cannot thank all of you enough for your continued support, ideas, volunteering, and love for this amazing tradition.

The future of Tug Fest is looking brighter than ever!

Our Mission Statement

Port Byron Great River Tug Fest, Inc. is a family-friendly, community-focused event dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and local pride.

We achieve this by…

Creating a vibrant atmosphere: Filled with fun activities and entertainment for families and individuals to enjoy, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness where families can create lasting memories.

Celebrating community spirit: Encouraging collaboration and friendly competition and strengthening local bonds.

Showcasing local businesses: Providing a platform for local businesses to connect with the community and showcase their products and services, promoting economic growth within our community.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle: Encouraging physical activity and active play for participants of all ages.

See our Schedule & Events for all we have to offer.

OUR STORY

In 1987, Scott Verbeckmoes witnessed a similar, but smaller festival. He thought it would be a novel idea to have back in Port Byron and stretch the event across the Mississippi.

It was a hard sell to both the people of Illinois and Iowa, but Co-chairmans Charles “Boots” Knapp and Keith Speckman, along with Denise Bowers, Kathy Augsbuger, Patty Kemp, Connie Eckermann, Ciel Abbott, Fred & Lavern Walbusser, and Frank and Sandy James were the original committee members who sold the idea and pulled it off.

The original rope used up until its retirement in 2006 was purchased from Trevor’s True Value located Port Byron, Illinois in 4 separate coils of 600’ each.  Jerry Oppendike spliced the ropes together for the 2400’ needed to cross the river.  Port Byron State Bank lent the money for the rope.

Don Johnson and Harry Cort from Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric first put the rope on its reel and carried it across the Mississippi while Jarry Lancaster announced the inaugural event.

The first Queen contest winner was Heidi Drummond.

The Alabaster Eagle is a traveling trophy that was originally purchased by Betty and Boots Knapp from Kliems in Bettendorf, Iowa (Larry Tague made the beautiful showcase the following year).

This was how the first Tug Fest got started, or rather Hobo Days as it was originally titled. The continued success of this one of a kind event is only possible through the hard work of hundreds of the volunteers who have come and gone over the years. We’d like to give a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone that has ever participated in the The Great River Tug Fest.

Go Illinois!