Annual, new events make for busy weekend in McGregor-Marquette
In Marquette, HawkWatch will include live bird programs. (Times-Register file photo)
The Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR) 5K and 10K at Pikes Peak State Park is one of many activities happening in the McGregor-Marquette area this weekend. (Times-Register file photo)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Reigster
A combination of annual and new events will keep residents and visitors busy in Marquette and McGregor this weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, run or walk the Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR) 5K and 10K at Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor.
GRRRR is a chip-timed event and open to both walkers and runners. The race will start at 8:30 a.m. Overall male and female 5K and 10K winners will be recognized along with top finishers in each age category.
All participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, goody bag, after race refreshments and complimentary (un)traditional breakfast of pancakes with chicken gravy. (Don’t worry, syrup is available too.)
The pancake breakfast is also open to the public, with free will donations appreciated. Serving will be at the Pikes Peak State Park shelter from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers from the Turner Park: Fitness for All Ages Committee are organizing the breakfast, and proceeds will go toward creating a pickleball court at McGregor’s Turner Park.
GRRRR proceeds will support the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce.
There’s still time to register for GRRRR at https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/McGregor/GRRRRGreatRiverRoadRoadRoadRace.
Later that morning, the public is invited to celebrate the conclusion of McGregor’s 300 Block Enhancement Project.
Over the past few months, work included adding new picnic tables, benches and a raised flower garden planter at Artesian Park; a new patio area behind the McGregor Public Library; and a fresh grass surface replacing the gravel lot in Pocket Park. Ornamental fencing and a shared staircase for improved accessibility between these spaces was part of the project as well.
The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. in the 300 block area. It will include a ribbon cutting along with a dedication in Artesian Park honoring the late Joanne Collins-Stewart. Enhancements were made possible through memorials in honor of Joanne Collins-Stewart—with assistance from the McGregor Parks and Green Spaces Committee and McGregor Achievement Club—and the McGregor Public Library and Alexander McGregor Endowment. Members of the Keenan family also donated time and craftsmanship to projects, and McGregor public works employees provided support.
In Pocket Park, people can enjoy a story walk exhibit courtesy of the McGregor Public Library. Children’s activities and light refreshments will also be available until 1 p.m.
Then, the public is encouraged to head downtown for “Life on the Porch,” an event celebrating McGregor’s historic porches.
The Whistle Pigs, featuring McGregor’s own Christina (Pleggenkuhle) Dollhausen harmonizing with mandolin player Dave Bruce, will bring lively acoustic music to the porch at the historic Alexander Hotel from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Alexander McGregor Endowment is sponsoring the event, which is hosted by the McGregor Historic Preservation Commission.
“The intent is to help elevate historic preservation efforts and community culture,” said McGregor Economic Development Director Brandi Crozier.
Chairs will be set up, and people are welcome to grab snacks or drinks from local businesses to enjoy while they listen to the music.
Additionally, the McGregor Public Library kicks off its annual book sale on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to peruse over a thousand children’s books and adult fiction and non-fiction titles. The sale will conclude the following weekend, Oct. 11 and 12.
Rivertown Fine Books, in downtown McGregor, will also have its annual sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both weekends.
“With it being peak season, we’re anticipating a lot of visitors in town,” Crozier said. “Jayco Fish and Cheese will be operating their food truck in the parking lot next to Steve’s Silver Dollar to support this.”
Marquette will be bustling with activity too. On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, in partnership with Upper Iowa Audubon Society and Friends of the Marquette Driftless Area, will host HawkWatch. This event celebrates the magnificent fall migration of hundreds of thousands of raptors and other birds along the Mississippi River Flyway.
HawkWatch is free and open to all ages, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will include live bird programs with River Valley Raptors at 10 a.m. and noon, as well as identification with birding experts, fun kids activities and more.
This weekend also marks the first of two weekends of flea markets “under the bridge” in Marquette. Find antique items, collectibles and crafts from a variety of vendors. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and will continue Oct. 11 and 12.
Stop at the food stand in the city park both weekends to support the Marquette Action Club.
Follow the “Visit McGregor-Marquette, Iowa” Facebook page for a full line-up of upcoming activities and business promotions.
