Folks looking to mix history, culture and good old-fashioned family entertainment this summer need look no further than Iowa’s eastern 'shoreline.'
Riverfront communities along the northern stretches of the mighty Mississippi in four states will play host this summer to an historic re-enactment of the original Grand Excursion that 150 years ago marked the first railroad connection to the Mississippi River.
From June 25 to July 5, adventure-seekers can enjoy music festivals, parades, celebrations and other attractions in more than 50 ports of call.
More than a dozen communities in Iowa from Davenport to Dubuque to Lansing have poured millions of dollars into preparations for community celebrations. Playing host to concerts, art exhibits, fireworks, carnivals, and food and refreshment, riverfront residents are rolling out the welcome mat for visitors to come and celebrate life along the Mississippi.
Staged along the route of the original 1854 Grand Excursion which ferried 1,200 influential people of the day — including President Millard Fillmore — up river from today’s Quad Cities to the Twin Cities, the Grand Excursion of 2004 presents a virtual armada of opportunities for people to revel in the rich natural resources and beauty of the region. A seven-boat Grand Flotilla certainly will evoke images of days gone by as the historic paddlewheel boats ferry folks up river, docking at various ports along the route.
Participants are invited to enjoy the week-long series of community events either by scenic trails on the Grand Excursion bike ride, aboard the paddlewheel cruisers or via an authentic coal-burning steam locomotive pulling vintage rail cars.
In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Grand Excursion, organizers from the beginning emphasized outreach and education to younger generations. Collaboration among educators based in riverfront communities all along the upper Mississippi resulted in a remarkable collection of resources intended to foster an appreciation and better understanding about the river’s impact on American history and its future.
One-of-a-kind 'River Exploration Trunks' offer teachers a learning tool to show how the Mississippi River has shaped American history, culture, science, literature, art, music, technology and the environment.
The Grand Excursion 2004 ought to help generate long-lasting enthusiasm and interest in preserving the cultural heritage, historical legacies and natural resources of the region so that future stewards of the river share a greater appreciation for tending the ecological wonder and economic treasure they have inherited.
Lifelong residents of riverside communities up and down the mighty Mississippi can appreciate its influence on their lives as arguably the most significant economic, environmental and recreational anchor of the region.
As the senior senator from Iowa, I understand the important balance that’s necessary to preserve the river’s ecological and recreational resources and still maintain its vital economic role to business and industry. The Mississippi River also serves as the Grain Belt’s transportation gateway to the world.
With the incredible outpouring of support by riverfront communities in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, people of all ages ought to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. By all accounts, the Grand Excursion 2004 promises to be an event to remember.
I worked to raise public awareness for the 2004 Grand Excursion at the national level. My bipartisan resolution put the U.S. Senate on record in support of the events planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Grand Flotilla. It also acknowledges the commitment and outpouring of support by local residents to celebrate the heritage and treasured resources of the region.
I encourage Iowans to come celebrate the spirit of the Mississippi and join in the festivities this summer. For a listing of community events or information about joining in on the Grand Flotilla up river, go to http://www.grandexcursion.com.