Growing Up With Tug Fest

Home

By Rylee Clark

Tug Fest, a battle between Iowa and Illinois, is back for another year! Starting back in 1987, this tug of war across the Mississippi has been going on for years. A fun activity for both sides of the river to have a full weekend of exciting events. Carnivals, races, pageants, different foods, and, of course, the tug.

I’ve been going to Tug Fest since I was a kid, always on the Illinois side since I live right in Rapids City. Every Thursday I got a wristband for the carnival and went on rides with my friends. Every Friday I watched the fireworks, usually in The Brothers parking lot on top of the firetruck. On Saturday I always worked at the Pancake Breakfast and then watched the tug.

My dad’s on the volunteer fire department in Port Byron, and every year, the Pancake Breakfast falls on the Saturday of Tug Fest. I’ve worked every job under the sun. I’ve waited tables, worked the raffle, made pancakes, but my favorite job is serving. Once I was old enough to do it, I always jumped at the chance. I’ve always loved being able to talk to people, to serve them something good before they continued with their day. Whatever they did. The Nick Teddy 5k, the tug itself, or if they just came to say hi. It’s a morning of good food, and some of the nicest people you’ll meet.

Tug Fest has everything you need for a fun weekend festival. My favorite thing growing up was the carnival, especially on wristband nights. On Thursday, you can get a wristband and ride as many rides as you want all night long. In middle and high school, my friends and I would spend hours down there. Staying on rides for as long as possible. It’s improved by the fact that we’re right along the Mississippi. So, when you’re up high enough, or you’re on a ride that swings out, you can see the other side of the river. Where there’s also a carnival with flashing lights going on.

Then, on Friday, there’s always fireworks. Now, I’ve watched the fireworks from so many places in my life. From people’s backyards, parking lots, and even at my own house. But the single best place to watch them is definitely from the riverside. Not only can you get a clear view of the river and fireworks, but it’s also so much fun to be surrounded by everyone else watching the fireworks. Getting to enjoy them with your friends, your neighbors, your family, is by far the best part of a Friday at Tug Fest.

On Saturday, I’m always at my busiest. I go down to the fire station at 6 a.m., but most of the other firefighters stayed all night to prep for the pancake breakfast. I normally serve pancakes, sausage, or eggs with my dad. Normally, we have a great turn out and I love seeing old friends, teachers, and members of our community. I normally have enough time before the tug starts to grab something to eat, catch up with a friend, and then go watch the tug happen.