Celebrate Teachers, Trades, Cars and Antiques at Rust Belt Americana

By Jonathan Turner

A year after it was first held at Bettendorf’s Isle of Capri Casino, Rust Belt Americana returns – a stone’s throw from the Rust Belt complex – Aug. 7-10 at the Bend XPO Center (indoors and outdoors), 922 Mississippi Parkway, East Moline.

A year after the first Rust Belt Americana in Bettendorf, the second antique swap and auction will be Aug. 7-10 at the Bend XPO Center in East Moline.

Organized by TV personality (“American Pickers”) and antique collector Rob Wolfe, the sprawling antique swap and auction will be a haven for vintage car enthusiasts and antique aficionados. You can discover classic cars alongside unique antique treasures.

Richmond Auctions will serve as the presenting auction house for Rust Belt Americana, taking place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8–9. The event is headlined by selections from The Bob Swaback Collection and showcases an outstanding array of Petroliana, Automobilia, Soda, Country Store, and Farming antique advertising memorabilia. With over 700 lots—including neon signs, porcelain signs, tin signs, advertising displays, gas pump globes, and oil cans—this sale is truly a collector’s dream, says the event website, RustBeltAmericana.com.

The schedule for Rust Belt Americana will be:

• Thursday, Aug. 7 – Set-up and dealer day, opening reception/dinner for vendors and teachers.
• Friday, Aug. 8 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Auction open for preview at 9 a.m., live bidding begins at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. National car show from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., public chooses the winners, celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the Mustang. There will be food, music, a beer garden, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Auction open for preview at 9 a.m., live bidding begins at 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 10 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I wanted to create a heritage event that would bring car and antique enthusiasts from around the globe to connect them to our region,” Wolfe (who lives in Bettendorf and has a big antique garage and studio in downtown Davenport) says on the event website.

Quad Cities educators are invited to a Teacher Appreciation Night during the opening reception of Rust Belt Americana, set for Thursday, Aug. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bend XPO Center in East Moline.

This year’s event centers on educators—especially those who ignite creativity and passion in students despite budget constraints. Wolfe will launch his family's scholarship program, aimed at helping local kids explore rewarding careers in the trades, with proceeds from the weekend event going to scholarships.

“Not every kid is interested in going to a four-year college, and that’s okay,” Wolfe says. “There are so many exciting and fulfilling careers in the trades, and I want to make sure kids in the Quad Cities have the chance to explore those options. One of the best ways we can do that is by supporting our teachers, because they’re the ones inspiring the next generation. I’d love to hear from local teachers who have ideas for lessons, field trips, or projects that can introduce students to these career paths. Let’s make it easier for them to bring those ideas to life.”

Rob Wolfe (of TV's “American Pickers”) is the founder and organizer of Rust Belt Americana, seen here at his downtown Davenport garage and antique studio.

He knows how budget limitations can make it hard for educators to provide hands-on learning experiences.

“Teachers often dig into their own pockets to give students better opportunities,” Wolfe added. “Through our scholarships, we want to help bring their visions to life without the financial burden falling on them. If we can help fund a great idea that lights a spark in a kid’s imagination, that’s a win for everyone.”

At the Thursday Teacher Appreciation Night, keynote speaker Jim Wichman will inspire educators and community members with his message: “Shake the world as you go by,” challenging them to build value-centered schools that uplift every student.

Wichman brings more than 25 years of experience as an educational administrator in both rural and urban settings. He is a former principal, who shares his message with others as a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach through his firm, Inspired Edification, which focuses on empowering educators and students.

The reception is free for teachers, with registration required HERE, limited to the first 100 educators to RSVP. The night will include first-look access to Rust Belt Americana’s vendors, an invitation-only auction to benefit the Bettendorf Americana Fund; and live musical entertainment, food, and drinks.

Wolfe has been passionate about working with students, especially elementary-aged kids, offering in-person and virtual tours of his Davenport garage and studio, answering their questions about history, and sharing the stories behind the many vintage treasures he’s collected on “American Pickers.”

“My motivation for giving back stems from a desire to support the programs that significantly shaped my younger years. The diverse experiences I gained from shop class, woodwork, automotive, and even art class helped me discover my true passions,” Rob says. “I firmly believe that when you love what you do, it stops being work and becomes a genuine passion. While there may be occasional challenges, the rewarding moments far outweigh them. From a young age, I was taught that achieving your goals requires hard work and perseverance and that effort would ultimately be worthwhile.”

“Unexpectedly, my love for history and storytelling has guided me to my current passion, fostering a deep appreciation for antiques. Whether it is building a business, nurturing a family, or simply embracing daily challenges, the pursuit of what you love brings fulfillment. It is essential to identify your passions and pursue them with commitment. That is the primary goal of establishing these scholarships.”

Scholarships are available to:

• High school students planning to attend college, trade school, or other enrichment programs.
• Current college or trade school students in need of additional support.
• Teachers or schools in need of funding initiatives and programming 

Tickets are $50 for early bird (to get you in a day early, and good all weekend) or $20 good for Friday to Sunday. Kids under 12 get in for FREE. For scholarship applications and more information, visit the event website HERE.

Jonathan Turner is a veteran journalist and piano player, who has made the QC home since 1995 and loves writing about arts and culture. He is the author of the books “A Brief History of Bucktown: Davenport's Infamous District Transformed,” and “100 Things To Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die”.