Port Byron Tug Fest is More Than the Tug

It started as a small event with a different name, and today has grown to be one of the most unique festivals in the United States.

The 30th Annual Great River Tug Fest 2016 runs from August 11-13.

"Tug Fest started with a group of business men after Scott Verbeckmoes went to Michigan and saw a tug over a creek," President of the Port Byron Tug Fest Committee Tammy Knapp said.

Despite difficulty trying to sell the idea to people on both sides of the river, Knapp says Verbeckmoes brought the idea back to Port Byron and convinced both cities to have a tug across the Mississippi River.

Its first year was called "Hobo Days" and the tug went down Cherry St. hill in Port Byron and across the Mississippi to LeClaire.

According to Knapp, the current tug sites weren't formed until later when surveyors found the most "equal" spot between the two cities for the Tug location.

Although they hope to hold their title, members of the Port Byron Tug Fest Committee say there's a lot more to Tug Fest than the actual Tug.

Non-profit groups run each entrance gate to Tug Fest, and portions of the profits are donated back to those groups, which also includes other non-profits.

In recent years, other events have been added to the Port Byron Tug Fest including the Port Byron Tug Fest 5k, two pageants, two types of parades, and more.

"It's a wonderful event where our community comes together in volunteerism, support for non-profit organizations, and keeping our title," Knapp said.

"Rumble on the River" fireworks begin Friday night at 9:30, with the Tug Saturday at noon. The event kicks off Thursday evening at 5 p.m.