Rock Island Arsenal Is Open For Public Party This Weekend

The Rock Island Arsenal is celebrating Armed Forces Day by inviting the Quad Cities and beyond over for a weekend-long celebration.

Col Dan Mitchell and Mark Kane came through to the studio to talk about the weekend plans.

No visitor passes will not be required for you to check out the 940-acre "fortress" on the Mississippi River, and you'll get to see what happens on the Arsenal, see the rich history of our military, and take part of the events planned all weekend.

There are plans for a full-blown carnival, live music, food trucks, vendors, military displays, car show, fireworks, and our annual Run the Rock 5K/10K and America’s Kids Run.

• Friday, May 19:
  • Run The Rock/America's Kids Run packet pick up; carnival and vendors begin.
  • 4 p.m. opening Armed Forces Day ceremony
  • 5 p.m. Wicked Liz and the Belly Swirls performs
  • 10 p.m. Closure
• Saturday, May 20:
  • 8:45 a.m. kickoff, Carnival and Vendors Open, America's Kids Run opening remarks, and run events
  • 9:35 a.m. Run The Rock 5K/10K opening remarks, the ceremonial opening
  • 10 a.m. race begins
  • 10:45 a.m. 5K Run The Rock awards
  • 11:05 a.m. 10K Run The Rock awards
  • 11:30 a.m. Car Show Begins
  • 1 p.m. Matt Fuller Band performs
  • 5:30 p.m. 30 West performs
  • 9:15 p.m. fireworks
  • 10 p.m. closure

It's a great opportunity for the collective community to express our gratitude, admiration, and support to the men and women who have answered the noble call of service.

Currently, there are more than two million men and women in uniform, serving and defending our country in every time zone, in the air, ashore, and afloat. Join us in celebrating the United States armed forces that our installation supports and plays an integral role in the successes and efforts that are the fabric of this nation’s freedom.