From racing to carnivals, Labor Day Weekend in the Quad City Area

QUAD CITIES, Iowa and Ill. (KWQC) – Labor Day weekend leaves the Quad Cities with plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends and family.

In Rock Island, nearly 200 drivers hit the road for the 27th Rock Island Grand Prix.

Along with the fast cars, the race brought spectators, such as Ben Watson of Monmouth, Illinois.

“I really like the race. Seeing all the cars driving by [at] 80,90,100 miles per hour. It’s very beautiful,” said Watson. “[It] makes me want to build one.”

It’s not just the city having fun with cars, the Orion Fall Festival kicked off its final day with a car show, along with a carnival and plenty of food vendors. Organizers estimate anywhere from 200 to 250 cars lined the street.

According to Mayor Jim Cooper, the festival’s pie auction on Friday raised a record $42,000 to help with medical bills in the city. The best-selling pie came with a price tag of $2,600.

“People have enjoyed the small town atmosphere that we have,” Cooper said. “It’s so satisfying to know that everyone in this town is willing to give back because they know that the money we raise goes back to helping underprivileged families.”

Kevin Nolan, an organizer of the Harvest Festival in Milan said they are offering a similar environment. For the first time in more than five years, event proceeds benefit Rock Island and Milan youth baseball.

“Everyone has been so supportive,” Nolan said. “It’s been a really great experience for me personally because you look around, you see all the kids smiling. [and] having a good time riding. That’s what it’s about.”

The Grand Prix and Orion Fall Fest wrapped up Sunday evening. Meanwhile, Milan Harvest Fest continues from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday.

Several area towns will host parades for the holiday. McCausland, Iowa begins its parade at noon.

In Illinois, Rock Island starts its parade at 9:30. The route starts on 18th Avenue at Washington School, turns down 24th Street, then turns back on 25th Avenue ending at Rock Island High School.

Heading upriver, the East Moline parade begins at 11 a.m. and makes its way down 15th Avenue from 13th Street to Third Street.

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