DAVENPORT, Iowa — From the first round of tournament play at the John Deere Classic to parades around our hometowns, there was lots of patriotic fun around the Quad Cities for the Fourth of July. Here's a look at how the community celebrated.
Bettendorf Parade
Bettendorf's streets were packed for its annual Fourth of July parade. Community members enjoyed festive floats and live music, and some reflected on what the holiday meant to them.
"The Fourth of July means everything to us. We're Americans, there were men years ago that put their life on the line so we could have a free country," Bettendorf resident Dave Heberling said.
Once the parade wrapped up, celebrations continued into the afternoon with a festival at Spruce Hills Drive.
East Moline Parade
East Moline had its own Fourth of July parade, marking 66 years of the annual tradition. The route brought floats along 15th Avenue, where kids were able to catch some candy and hear some patriotic tunes.
Muscatine Parade
Muscatine residents didn't let a little rain ruin their fun. On Thursday morning, parents and their kids took to the streets for a children's parade — the start of many festivities for the day.
"I think it's amazing. I think it's really important that we get the community out, get them involved, have something fun to do on the Fourth of July. Despite the circumstances, we're still out here," 2024 Miss Iowa Teen Avery Bradley said.
Man proposes at Firecracker Run
The Firecracker Run drew hundreds of amateur athletes for its annual race. Whether runners made it 10 kilometers or only five, the race around East Moline drew plenty of smiling faces. But for one athlete, there was something extra special at the finish line.
Anthony Roome proposed to his girlfriend, Kylee Villarreal, and News 8 is thrilled to report that she said yes when he popped the question! Congratulations to both of them.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel