ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — People in the Quad Cities metro and surrounding communities are invited to the annual Armed Forces Day Celebration at Rock Island Arsenal.
The event runs from May 16 to 19 on the island, with activities for all ages. While visitor passes are not required for the event, anyone over 18 years old must present a valid photo ID at arrival.
Organizers say there will be a full carnival, food trucks, numerous vendors, live music, military displays, a car show, fireworks and live wrestling. The Arsenal's annual Run the Rock 5K/10K and America's Kid Run will take place on Saturday, May 18. Entry to the event is free but carnival rides, food and games will cost extra. An ATM will be available at Memorial Park throughout the weekend.
Here's a breakdown of the festivities:
Thursday, May 16
- 4 to 10 p.m.: Carnival opens for those that live and work on post only
Friday, May 17
- 4 p.m.: Armed Forces Day opening and keg tapping ceremony
- 4 p.m.: Carnival open to the public
- 4 to 6 p.m.: Run the Rock/America's Kid Run packet pick up
- 5 p.m.: Matt Fuller Band set to perform
- 10 p.m.: Festivities end for the day
Saturday, May 18
- 8:45 a.m.: America's Kids Run kick-off and run events
- 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: QC Cruisers Auto Show
- 9:30 a.m.: Run the Rock 5K/10K opening remarks and ceremonial opening
- 10 a.m.: Races begin and carnival opens for the day
- 10:45 a.m.: Run the Rock 5K awards ceremony
- 11:05 a.m.: Run the Rock 10K awards ceremony
- 1 p.m.: Superfly Samurai performs
- 2 p.m.: Honor Among Wrestling
- 5:30 p.m: Moonshine Run performs
- 9:25 p.m.: Fireworks show
- 10 p.m.: Festivities end for the day
Sunday, May 19
- 12 p.m.: Carnival opens for the day
- 1 p.m.: Honor Among Wrestling
- 4 p.m.: Festivities end for the day
"This is an opportunity for our collective communities to express our gratitude, admiration, and support to the men and women who have answered the noble call of service," a press release about the event says.
Firearms, knives, weapons of any kind, illegal substances and clothing with obscene/offensive language are prohibited. Pets, other than service animals, are discouraged, the Arsenal says. More information about prohibited items when on federal property can be found here.
Registration for the Run the Rock 5K/10K and America's KidsRun is open until midnight on May 17 and can be completed here.
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