Local Events

Clinton Citizens are active and involved in the community, and make our events and attractions inviting for everyone, which only adds to your enjoyment and excitement.

 

Whether you're interested in nature, sports, history, culture, arts and crafts or just looking for a great time, Clinton is the place to be. Many of our events are located near the Mighty Mississippi River.

 

 

Use this District Key, along with the color-coded bullets and our area maps to easily find your way!

• Annual Eagle Watch

First Saturday in January. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Clinton Community College co-host a free Special Eagle Watch Day during peak season on the upper Mississippi. Visitors will enjoy outdoor eagle viewing at Lock & Dam 13. Eagle seminars, wildlife exhibits and children's activities are held at Clinton Community College throughout the day. Municipal Transit Administration courtesy bus service shuttles visitors from college to viewing area. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera! Contact: Thomson Park Rangers, P.O. Box 398, 823 Main Street, Thomson IL  Contact: (815) 259-3628.
E-mail: mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil   Internet:www.missriver.org

• Camanche Days
Weekend of the second full week in August. This annual celebration features complete family entertainment with a parade, carnival, golf, tennis, softball (to name a few), various food concessions, Diaper Derby, Kids Day Out, free acts, karaoke, pedal pull, nightly entertainment, 5K run, arts and crafts fair, and many other events to enjoy. Fireworks take place on Sunday evening. Contact: Linda Cundiff, (563) 259-1209 or e-mail: ulcer@hotmail.com or Brenda Larkey at (563) 522-2021 or e-mail: bltlarkey@mchsi.com

• Clinton Community College B-rrry Scurry
First Saturday in February
Since 1981, CCC has hosted the “Greatest Little Race in the Midwest” as runners and walkers take to the streets of Clinton on this 4-mile out and back trek.  Medals are awarded 4-deep in 13 age categories. Participants receive long-sleeved TECH shirt, great giveaways and entry in the legendary post-race party.  Contact: Ann Eisenman, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, (563) 244-7040.
E-mail:  aeisenman@eicc.edu or visit us at www.eicc.edu/brrry.

• Dutch Days
First Weekend in May. Fulton’s Dutch heritage is celebrated by wearing wooden shoes and authentic costumes, Klompen dancing, street scrubbing and a parade. Visitors can enjoy fresh Dutch pastries, food, an arts and crafts show, and a visit to Heritage Canyon. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 253, Fulton, (815) 589-4545.  www.cityoffulton.us

• Main Avenue Craft Show
Weekend after Mother's Day.  Plan to attend the best craft show ever held in the historic Lyons Shopping District.  This annual craft show is located in Lyons Foursquare Park (corner of Main Avenue & Roosevelt Street) in Clinton.  No charge for admission.  Crafts, food and fun for all!  A nice family outing.  Contact: Sheralyn Bartels, (563) 242-2663.

• Clinton Jaycees’ Independence Day Carnival
Independence Day Week.  Come and enjoy family fun at the Clinton Jaycees' annual Independence Day holiday carnival.  From cotton candy and games to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, Clinton's largest carnival offers something for children and adults alike.  Individual midway attraction ticket prices vary.  Held in tandem with Riverboat Days.  Website:  www.clintonjaycees.org

• Fulton Fall Festival
Second weekend in October.  Early American Crafters and other historical groups at Heritage Canyon take us back in time as they re-create history in the mid-1800’s.  Visit Historic Downtown Fulton to enjoy pumpkin painting, grilled food, alpacas, buggy rides, windmill tours and a scavenger hunt.  Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce at (815) 589-4545 or visit www.cityoffulton.us.

• Fulton Hometown Christmas
First Friday in December.  Enjoy window displays, windmill tours, caroling, Santa Claus, live Nativity, shopping, 2 mile run/walk, horse and wagon rides and Christmas crafts for kids.  Also, enjoy Christmas at Heritage Canyon. Contact: Fulton Chamber of Commerce (815) 589-4545. www.cityoffulton.us.

• Rod & Custom Car Show
Third Sunday in August. The Clinton Area Rod Club hosts an annual Rod & Custom Car Show. The event draws more than 150 vehicles to Clinton. Vintage autos, custom cars, trucks and motorcycles are displayed in an open, grassy area near Hy-Vee’s parking lot at 901 So. 4th St.  Hy-Vee Food Stores provides concession stand.  Entry fees are modest and the show is open to the public at no charge.  Contact Dave Mills, Clinton,
(563) 242-4124.

• Symphony of Lights Walk
Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving.  This 1-mile course is entirely within Eagle Point Park over the rolling, paved park roads.  The entire mile is lighted by the spectacular Symphony of Lights display.  This is your only opportunity to leisurely enjoy this lighting display on foot.  Contact: (563) 243-3442. 
Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org.

• Symphony of Lights
Thanksgiving Day thru December 30. This 1.1-mile Christmas lighting extravaganza is set on the hillsides of Eagle Point Park, located off Hwy. 67 north of Clinton. Includes over 500,000 lights in over 50 major displays.  Contact: Clinton Jaycees Foundation, (563) 243-3442.
Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org

• Symphony of Lights 5K Race
Saturday after Thanksgiving.  This 3.1-mile foot race takes place on the paved, rolling park roads within Eagle Point Park.  The entire Symphony of Lights display is toured twice during the course of the race.  Prizes are awarded to division winners and the park is open to racers for 1 hour after the race. 
(563) 243-3442.  Internet: www.symphonyoflights.org.