Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi everyone, and welcome to Living in Leclair. This is
a periodic segment of knowledge is power, made possible through
the generosity of Rob Kane and City's Insurance Group. I'm
Wayne Wally and I'm currently the president of the Leclair
Tourism Board and your host for Living in Leclair, which
is designed to talk about well living in Leclair. So
let's talk about it. You know, we're now into October.
(00:22):
It's starting to get to be fall. We're getting some
leaves changing color, get a little more crisp in the mornings,
in the evenings, we still have some nice warm weather
in the afternoons. But anyway, it's that time of year
where you start thinking about all the different holidays that
are coming up. I mean, we've got Halloween, we've got Thanksgiving,
we've got Christmas, and we have all these great shops
in downtown Leclair that all have these unique different items.
(00:44):
So if you're looking for fall decre items, if you're
looking for clothing for the holidays, if you're looking for
special gifts, any of that sort of thing, be sure
and check out all your downtown merchants because they have
been working hard to update inventory and bring things together
and One of the first things that participating shops will
(01:05):
do is they might have some sidewalk sales, other specials,
or at least have a lot of their new inventory
out for sale starting next weekend, which would be October eighteenth, nineteenth,
and twentieth with Autumn market Days. Market Days is something
that the shopkeepers have done both in the spring and
the fall for many years in downtown LaClair, just to
(01:26):
remind people to hey, come and check out what's going
on downtown, because there's some cool stuff and you can
make some great fines at all the different stores in
downtown LaClair. The other thing that's going to be happening
on Saturday, October nineteenth that's pretty cool is we're going
to have the Buffalo Stampede. It's going to be a
kickoff event so that people can learn more about all
these buffalos that are in downtown Leclair. I don't know
(01:48):
if you've seen him, but you can find them in
front of or near a bunch of the different shops.
They're all have different paintings done. Some may not be
painted yet but they're working on it. They all have names,
they all have backstories. There's going to be a website
available and Saturday, October nineteenth is sort of the kickoff
to say we now have the Leclair Buffalo Stampede and
(02:10):
there is a Leclair Buffalo Trail that you'll be able
to go online and follow and find out more about
all these buffaloes downtown. There's also going to be a
great little contest where you can take selfies and get
entered for a great prize package. So you're going to
learn more about this, So pay attention to Facebook, pay
attention to the visit Leclair website. All those details will
(02:31):
be available. But check it out and check out the buffaloes.
They are pretty fun to see what different people have done.
I mean, you've got I believe it's called Bufferoni in
front of Happy Joe's, where it looks like there's a
slice of Pepperoni pizza on his back. The Potter's House
has used a lot of different Polish pottery to help
decorate theirs. There's a great buffalo at the Wide River Winery.
(02:54):
You've got one down at the Civic Center. Again, they're
all over town. I believe there are currently eighteen different buffaloes,
not all have been painted yet, not all have been
decorated but a majority of them will be ready for
the Buffalo Stampede on October nineteenth, so be prepared for that.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Now.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Coming up this weekend on Sunday, October thirteenth is another
annual thing that's been happening in Leclair for years. It
used to be known as the AppleFest and was held
up held up at the old Welcome Center off of
Interstate eighty. But when the Welcome Center closed and things
came downtown, it then has become.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
The fall Fest.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
And the fall Fest has been growing now that it's
organized by the Leclaire Optimist Club, and last year, for
the first time, it took over most of the Levee
downtown with lots of different vendors and different things you
can do down on the levee on the Sunday. So
that's this Sunday, October thirteenth is fall Fest, and we're
going to learn more about what's happening from the Optimist
(03:53):
Club and Jocelyn Smith. Well, Jocelyn, thanks for joining us
with a Living in Leclair.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Tell us a little bit.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
More about Fallfest coming up on Sunday, October thirteenth, is
what can people expect?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
What's going on?
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Sure, Fallfest originally was AppleFest, so people may be familiar
historically with Leclair. When the River Valley Optimists took it
over in about twenty eighteen, we kept the original AppleFest name,
but apples really weren't associated with it very much anymore,
so we've made the decision to change it to Fallfest.
(04:28):
So we've been doing this for about six years since
we took it over from the Lions Club and really
enjoy it.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
And each year.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
We invite new vendors small businesses to come down and
set up shop on the levee and sell their wares.
And because the River Valley Optimist Club is about children
in the community, we try to do as much as
possible in the event to have something to get back
to them. We used to have a bouncy house. Unfortunately
(04:56):
insurance doesn't allow us to do that anymore, so we
do a things. This year, we're going to have a
magician and balloon guy down there on the levee.
Speaker 4 (05:06):
We're going to.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Have face painting and temporary tattoos and that kind.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Of thing for the time. Very good. Yeah, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
We did the one hundred and ninetieth birthday party for
Leclair and did the same thing where we had a painter,
a madician and the balloon artist and oh my god,
the line was NonStop for three hours.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Kids love it, kids absolutely love it. So I'm glad
you're doing that. That'll be a great time.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So parents, if you're listening, bring your kids down and
get down early because there will be a line to
get that balloon animal. There will be aligned to get
your your face painted. But it's well worth it the
kids as the kids will love it. Well, what are
the types of things will people be able to find
on the on the levee.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
I know there's all different blues.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
It's a typical fair sort of crafts, arts and crafts,
but maybe some food vendors as well.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
At work the plan, Yeah, so we have ninety vendors
this year, so we're super excited the growth that has
happened over the last several years. So we have can
vendors and we have several boutiques that'll be down there.
We have a couple of booths that are doing children's items,
so baked goods. We have food opportunities, so we have
(06:14):
Bougie Dia that's going to be down there with case ideas.
We have a coffee camper that's going to be down there.
What's Barbecue will be on site, which they are always
a big hit every year and tend to sell out,
so that's another get there early if you want a barbecue.
Mon kettle corn will be there, which are really a
(06:36):
cornerstone of AppleFest now fall Fest.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Yeah, so just everything you can think of that is available.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
I encourage people to really start thinking about Christmas gifts
because not only are sporting small business, you can plan
ahead and have some of that Christmas shopping done out
of the way.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
I mean fall Fest has always been an interesting event
where lots of people show up. What hours does this
go for on Sunday?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
So it's eleven to four on Sunday. We will also
be having live music this year from one to three,
so we'll scale in the wild. We'll be playing down
on the level. So parking is always a little bit
of an issue in Leclaire, so that you know, just
think ahead, maybe park of a block or two from
(07:26):
the main levee.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Yeah. Yeah, as we're talking today, we're outdoors, so you
are hearing a lot of traffic in the player too.
But you know that's the way it goes well in
terms of you know, you talked about the things you
can eat and all this, but this is also an
event that's become a little bit of a fundraiser for
the Optimist Club as well. Correct, Correct, And what does
this event do for the Optimist Club?
Speaker 3 (07:48):
So the River Valley Optimists, as I mentioned before, is
about doing things for children. Our motto is bring out
the best in kids. River Valley Optimists was founded in
two thousand, well in the city of Leclair, and we
solely any money that we bring in goes back to
the community. We don't have admin cost certainly with the Fawfest.
(08:10):
There are some things that we pay out a pocket
with the vendor fees that we bring in, but everything
else goes back into the community. So we offer a
basketball camp free to children in the venture. We do
what we call Tour de la Claire, which is a
big will race every year for littles three to six
year olds and the winners in each age bracket gets
(08:35):
to go home with a big will free to children.
We do the backpack program in the school, so we
support that the after prom programs in the school. So
while a lot of our focus is in the PV district, itself.
We're not exclusive to the piece or to the PV district,
(08:57):
So we do if their school districts needs something, they
can write to us and ask for our grantors and
monies and so will support them and whatever they need.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
And there are a lot of different groups that are
out there that do different things. I guess I would
ask you personally what drew you to the Optimist Club
to become a member of this and to participate again, like,
I don't know that we have we don't have lions
anymore in LaClaire, but you have the civic Club, you
have a few other things. But why Optimists?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
So for me personally, when it was founded, I was
new to the area. We had just moved to Leclair
maybe six or seven months prior, wasn't.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I didn't know a.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Lot of people, and one of my neighbors had reached
out to me and said, hey, they're joining this club
maybe or starting this club.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Maybe you want to come and learn about it.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
I've always been a huge volunteer in organizations and other
communities I've lived in, and children in particular or a
passion of mine and doing what we can for them.
So for me it was twofold one the purpose of
the club and also to meet people because I was
new to the area. In the years that we've been chartered.
(10:10):
We are a small but mighty club. We kind of
have our core of people, but we are always looking
for new people to bring new blood. And certainly it's
a win win. You're part of a great organization doing
great things.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Now, how large is the Leclair Optimist Club at this
point in time? About how many members? Do you ask?
Speaker 4 (10:30):
We have about ten active members.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Okay, And if somebody wants to get involved, how would
they do that?
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Sure? So, we do have a Facebook page River Valley
Optimist Club and you can contact us there through Messenger.
We also have an email River Valley Optimist at gmail
dot com and if you come out to fall Fest,
we will be there with a booth you can stop
by and chat with any one of us.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Well, when you're a member of the Optimist Club, what
do you do? What are the sort of requirements of
responsibilities if you're going to be a member of the.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Optimy Actually, when it comes to clubs, it's really pretty nominal.
We have two meetings a month. One is on site
at the Presbyterian Church here in Leclair and then our
second one is at a different restaurant, so we change
locations and where we're going to go.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
And discuss what we're doing.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
So, of course Fallfest is one of our biggest activities
that we do, and that takes a lot of planning
and cooperation with everyone to make it happen. But we
kind of have it set where I said, we have
the Tour de Leclair, and we have basketball and so
we have these things already established and set up in
the processes.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
So it's just a matter.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Of volunteering your time outside of those meetings a few
hours a year, so it's not time a huge time commitment,
and it's just a lot of fun, really good people exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Now.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
You know, we've talked about Fallfest with this tour thing
with the big wheels, When when is that event?
Speaker 3 (12:05):
So it's kind of gone back and forth between the
fall and the spring, and we try to get it
either right before school is out if we're doing it
in the spring, and the other it's just after school
starts in the fall. So this year, with the flooding
earlier in the year, we didn't get it done, and
(12:27):
because of some other stuff we haven't this is our
first year not to do it, so we're really kind
of disappointed. So we'll be looking at the spring to
do that again. We try to advertise certainly locally and
then through the school district, and then it's a lot
of word of mouth because we have people again outside
of the PEV district that will come in and it's
just we run heats.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Each kid gets to run at.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Least two or three races on the big Wheel and
then it's just it's so much fun to see these
littles because a lot of three to six year olds
don't get the opportunity to participate in things often and
so for them to do something, to do something fun
and they really enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Yeah, I mean, the big Wheel is something everybody remembers
as a kid. Absolutely, And gosh, you know, my wife
and I have Antattie's fan Slumporium and we last year
went to the Dallas Gift Show in Dallas and one
of the vendors and sales reps that we spoke to
represented a company that has the big wheels that if
we wanted to bring them into the store, we could.
(13:27):
They're not inexpensive anymore. So we haven't done it. Yet
because we don't know that we have enough room in
the store. But they actually had a demo model that
is for adults. Yeah, and oh my god, you know,
Donna got on this thing and wrote it around and
we're just like, can we buy this product because adults
would buy this please.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
So funny that you say that, because just before Covid
Optimus Club as a fundraiser, thought was to do an adult.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
At Big Wheel Race, so we did purchase five.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
We have not been able to coordinate it yet, but
we still talk about it that that is a plan
because we have the bike, so we will come.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
So be looking for that adults to come out and play.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
Yeah, that definitely would be would be a whole lot
of fun and very very different. Yeah. Now back to
Fallfest that's coming up on Sunday, free to the public.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Free to the public.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Absolutely would you enter.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
I guess you could enter either on here we are
on let's see, we're on Wisconsin Street. It'd either enter
on Wisconsin or on Jones Street. Then is all right.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
So we're going to be on the north end of
the levee, so we're the boat ramp right off Jones,
so there is limited parking down on the levee because
we don't have moved because we've grown and we've taken
over that large parking space. But yeah, you can enter
and walk down on either side.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Okay, So not only can you just come down to
the levee on Sunday to enjoy the fall fest, there's
also downtown Leclair and if people are going to come
to town, you need to think about coming and checking
out all the shops as well.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Oh, one hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
It's really been great for us in the past years
to have a collaboration between several of the shops to
advertise fall fests. We advertise some of the things that
they're doing, and it's just a great town to walk
up and down the streets and really see what there
is to offer, not just on this particular day, but
other days throughout the year. Food offerings, drink offerings, boutiques
(15:24):
and that kind.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Of thing exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
You know, I keep I've mentioned on this show several times.
You know that if you live in Leclair or you
live in the Quat Cities and you happen to hear this,
you need to come downtown and experience it, you know,
enjoy it, come and support the shops because local shop owners,
you know that they're they're your neighbors, they're your friends,
they and they look for your support.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
So come on down and do that.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Now, you said, you know, part of coming or joining
the Optimist Club was to meet new people.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
What brought you to Leclair? What convince you to move here?
Speaker 3 (15:57):
So my husband was active duty mill terry at the time.
We were living overseas and got orders for Rock Island Arsenal,
which we had never heard of, did not know anything
about the Quad Cities, had no ties here. Initially, I
had reached out to a reelander about finding a place,
and when we were you know, kind of boots on
(16:17):
the ground here, we looked at ten different homes, decided
on Leclair and it was the best decision, you know,
spur of the moment really that we could have made.
We love Leclair, fell in love with it, and when
he retired a couple of years later, that was a
decision that made us stay in the area. So, you know,
this was now the is the permanent location for us.
(16:42):
So that's kind of our story after moving seventeen times,
you know, come prior to coming here saying this is
the place to settle and.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
We've stuck around.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
And what's great.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I was born and raised in Colorado, my husband Arizona.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Okay, and then you traveled. It sounds like all over
the world.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
Now all over the world.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Yeah, okay, yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
So yeah, the Quad Cities is not about place to land. Yeah,
we've seen other places.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yeah, yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
I mean, my wife would prefer to someday live somewhere
that's warmer, that we don't have a winter to deal with.
But I'm born and raised in California, and I kind
of like the change of seasons, and I've gotten used
to it. And when I was a kid, the only
time I ever saw snow, we were on vacation. So
even today, when I see snow, I have to smile
because it feels like I'm on vacation, until, of course
(17:27):
I have to get out the shovel and work on
all that and you know, layer up and do all
those those sorts of things.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
When it's twenty below, it's not so fun. But that's
short lived.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yeah, that's true. That's true. Hopefully it is short lived.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Gosh, well, any other things you could tell us about
fall Fest any? I mean, several vendors have been regulars
that have probably come for every year, anything in particular
that's new and exciting that has got you going, oh,
I can't wait for people to see these people.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
So we do have several new vendors this year. Off
the top of my head, one of the kids offerings.
You know kids, don't they kind of get drug along
sometimes with parents while they are doing the shopping. One
of the vendors is going to have a lot of
things for children, in particular at a dollar or two
dollars and so just fun things for them to pick
(18:15):
up and I'm excited for that. And also books for children,
so there's a vendor down there that will have those
as well.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
We have a lot of.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Hand crafted items which are super fun, tricksies, Tipsy's Tipsy
tea pots which are super cute, and she'll have gnomes
and then some of our other ones that have been
loyal to us and come back with.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
Just a clay of.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Sunshine, homemade hippie with earrings, and boutiques, some great clothing,
r seven with household items, some beautiful things. So just
the wide variety of choices and really something for everyone.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You're very good well, as we've been saying earlier, you know,
come on down to fall Fest, check out the shops downtown.
But see what's going on down with the levee, and
think about helping out the Optimist Club. Again, there's all
these different organizations in town where you can volunteer, and
as people who volunteer, if you're not one of them,
and you're listening, when you volunteer, you normally get more
(19:20):
out of it than you put into it. And that's
that's the refrain you hear from everyone. So think about
the Optimist Club. Come on down to the Leclaire Levee
on Sunday, check it out, check out fall Fest, and Jessica,
I thank you for joining us today and good luck
with this event. And I'll look forward to when this
big wheel.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Race comes up.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Right absolutely we'll put it out there. Thank you for
having me.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
This sounds good.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So once again, that's fall Fest down on the Levee
and Leclaire from eleven to four on Sunday. Come on
out and join us, join the Optimist Club, see what
they've got going on with their different vendors on the levee,
and take a stroll down town, check out and see
what your local shops have available. You know, get some
ideas for fall, get some ideas for for Christmas gifts
for people on your list this year, or even get
(20:03):
some of your shopping done early however you want to
do it. You know, there's always something going on, and
it seems in downtown Leclaire, so we've got this on
October thirteenth. The following weekend, you've got Autumn market days
where shops could have sidewalk sales and other things going on,
so be sure and check it out or check out
the different websites or Facebook pages for some of your
(20:24):
favorite shops. Again in downtown leclair Also on Saturday, the
nineteenth of October, the Buffalo Stampede, where there will be
a good event to introduce all the Buffaloes that are downtown,
so you'll be able to learn more about those online,
but come on out to the event learn more about
the contest that's going on to win a great local
cloud basket. Should be a fun time. Again, that's next weekend,
(20:48):
October nineteenth for the Buffalo Stampede. Then you get in
the following weekend, we're already headiting to Halloween. So on Saturday,
October twenty sixth, do you have our annual Witches Walk
happening down town where you can see all these kids
dressed up in costume. They gather down at the Civic
Club for different events down there. There's a trunk or
treat going on in the parking lot there, and then
(21:10):
kids are walking around for a couple of hours between
ten thirty and twelve thirty on that Saturday trick or
treating at all the businesses. It's always fun to see
this whole parade of all these different costumes walking up
and down Cody Road. So again, remember which is walk
is coming up on October the twenty sixth. Then we
get into November, we'll be getting into Thanksgiving. Then you're
(21:31):
gonna have a good gosh. You know, there's not a
big deal for Black Friday in downtown Leclair, but shops
are open and it might be a better experience than
trying to fight the crowds at the big box stores.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
So come on down.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
And then there's Small Business Saturday, which is always a
great time for the shops again in downtown. And then
the following weekend we're already to Christmas and Leclaire, Oh
my gosh, you know, this year is just going by
way too fast now and as we're in the fourth quarter,
it just seems to celerate quicker and quicker. But Christmas
and Leclair, you know, you have the strolling Santa's. It's
(22:05):
going on on the Friday, December sixth, Saturday, December seventh,
Sunday December eighth. There's a craft show at the Civic Center.
There's also a Santa's Workshop gift shop where kids can
find gifts for different people and different things. It's a
great little thing. There's also the silent auctions that go on.
We're also looking at having carriage rides, you know, a
(22:25):
short ride probably down Front Street on the Sunday from
twelve to three, so that'll be something in addition that
you can see. Plus there's usually strolling Santa's in downtown Leclair,
wandering from shop to shop. You never know who you're
going to see or what's going to happen. So again,
mark your calendars Christmas and Leclair this year December sixth, seventh,
and eighth in downtown Leclair. Again, I appreciate you joining
(22:49):
us and listening to the program today. And this is
living in Leclair
Hi everyone, and welcome to Living in Leclair. This is
a periodic segment of knowledge is power, made possible through
the generosity of Rob Kane and City's Insurance Group. I'm
Wayne Wally and I'm currently the president of the Leclair
Tourism Board and your host for Living in Leclair, which
is designed to talk about well living in Leclair. So
let's talk about it. You know, we're now into October.
(00:22):
It's starting to get to be fall. We're getting some
leaves changing color, get a little more crisp in the mornings,
in the evenings, we still have some nice warm weather
in the afternoons. But anyway, it's that time of year
where you start thinking about all the different holidays that
are coming up. I mean, we've got Halloween, we've got Thanksgiving,
we've got Christmas, and we have all these great shops
in downtown Leclair that all have these unique different items.
(00:44):
So if you're looking for fall decre items, if you're
looking for clothing for the holidays, if you're looking for
special gifts, any of that sort of thing, be sure
and check out all your downtown merchants because they have
been working hard to update inventory and bring things together
and One of the first things that participating shops will
(01:05):
do is they might have some sidewalk sales, other specials,
or at least have a lot of their new inventory
out for sale starting next weekend, which would be October eighteenth, nineteenth,
and twentieth with Autumn market Days. Market Days is something
that the shopkeepers have done both in the spring and
the fall for many years in downtown LaClair, just to
(01:26):
remind people to hey, come and check out what's going
on downtown, because there's some cool stuff and you can
make some great fines at all the different stores in
downtown LaClair. The other thing that's going to be happening
on Saturday, October nineteenth that's pretty cool is we're going
to have the Buffalo Stampede. It's going to be a
kickoff event so that people can learn more about all
these buffalos that are in downtown Leclair. I don't know
(01:48):
if you've seen him, but you can find them in
front of or near a bunch of the different shops.
They're all have different paintings done. Some may not be
painted yet but they're working on it. They all have names,
they all have backstories. There's going to be a website
available and Saturday, October nineteenth is sort of the kickoff
to say we now have the Leclair Buffalo Stampede and
(02:10):
there is a Leclair Buffalo Trail that you'll be able
to go online and follow and find out more about
all these buffaloes downtown. There's also going to be a
great little contest where you can take selfies and get
entered for a great prize package. So you're going to
learn more about this, So pay attention to Facebook, pay
attention to the visit Leclair website. All those details will
(02:31):
be available. But check it out and check out the buffaloes.
They are pretty fun to see what different people have done.
I mean, you've got I believe it's called Bufferoni in
front of Happy Joe's, where it looks like there's a
slice of Pepperoni pizza on his back. The Potter's House
has used a lot of different Polish pottery to help
decorate theirs. There's a great buffalo at the Wide River Winery.
(02:54):
You've got one down at the Civic Center. Again, they're
all over town. I believe there are currently eighteen different buffaloes,
not all have been painted yet, not all have been
decorated but a majority of them will be ready for
the Buffalo Stampede on October nineteenth, so be prepared for that.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Now.
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Coming up this weekend on Sunday, October thirteenth is another
annual thing that's been happening in Leclair for years. It
used to be known as the AppleFest and was held
up held up at the old Welcome Center off of
Interstate eighty. But when the Welcome Center closed and things
came downtown, it then has become.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
The fall Fest.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
And the fall Fest has been growing now that it's
organized by the Leclaire Optimist Club, and last year, for
the first time, it took over most of the Levee
downtown with lots of different vendors and different things you
can do down on the levee on the Sunday. So
that's this Sunday, October thirteenth is fall Fest, and we're
going to learn more about what's happening from the Optimist
(03:53):
Club and Jocelyn Smith. Well, Jocelyn, thanks for joining us
with a Living in Leclair.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Tell us a little bit.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
More about Fallfest coming up on Sunday, October thirteenth, is
what can people expect?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
What's going on?
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Sure, Fallfest originally was AppleFest, so people may be familiar
historically with Leclair. When the River Valley Optimists took it
over in about twenty eighteen, we kept the original AppleFest name,
but apples really weren't associated with it very much anymore,
so we've made the decision to change it to Fallfest.
(04:28):
So we've been doing this for about six years since
we took it over from the Lions Club and really
enjoy it.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
And each year.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
We invite new vendors small businesses to come down and
set up shop on the levee and sell their wares.
And because the River Valley Optimist Club is about children
in the community, we try to do as much as
possible in the event to have something to get back
to them. We used to have a bouncy house. Unfortunately
(04:56):
insurance doesn't allow us to do that anymore, so we
do a things. This year, we're going to have a
magician and balloon guy down there on the levee.
Speaker 4 (05:06):
We're going to.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
Have face painting and temporary tattoos and that kind.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Of thing for the time. Very good. Yeah, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
We did the one hundred and ninetieth birthday party for
Leclair and did the same thing where we had a painter,
a madician and the balloon artist and oh my god,
the line was NonStop for three hours.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Kids love it, kids absolutely love it. So I'm glad
you're doing that. That'll be a great time.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So parents, if you're listening, bring your kids down and
get down early because there will be a line to
get that balloon animal. There will be aligned to get
your your face painted. But it's well worth it the
kids as the kids will love it. Well, what are
the types of things will people be able to find
on the on the levee.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
I know there's all different blues.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
It's a typical fair sort of crafts, arts and crafts,
but maybe some food vendors as well.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
At work the plan, Yeah, so we have ninety vendors
this year, so we're super excited the growth that has
happened over the last several years. So we have can
vendors and we have several boutiques that'll be down there.
We have a couple of booths that are doing children's items,
so baked goods. We have food opportunities, so we have
(06:14):
Bougie Dia that's going to be down there with case ideas.
We have a coffee camper that's going to be down there.
What's Barbecue will be on site, which they are always
a big hit every year and tend to sell out,
so that's another get there early if you want a barbecue.
Mon kettle corn will be there, which are really a
(06:36):
cornerstone of AppleFest now fall Fest.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Yeah, so just everything you can think of that is available.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
I encourage people to really start thinking about Christmas gifts
because not only are sporting small business, you can plan
ahead and have some of that Christmas shopping done out
of the way.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
I mean fall Fest has always been an interesting event
where lots of people show up. What hours does this
go for on Sunday?
Speaker 3 (07:05):
So it's eleven to four on Sunday. We will also
be having live music this year from one to three,
so we'll scale in the wild. We'll be playing down
on the level. So parking is always a little bit
of an issue in Leclaire, so that you know, just
think ahead, maybe park of a block or two from
(07:26):
the main levee.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Yeah. Yeah, as we're talking today, we're outdoors, so you
are hearing a lot of traffic in the player too.
But you know that's the way it goes well in
terms of you know, you talked about the things you
can eat and all this, but this is also an
event that's become a little bit of a fundraiser for
the Optimist Club as well. Correct, Correct, And what does
this event do for the Optimist Club?
Speaker 3 (07:48):
So the River Valley Optimists, as I mentioned before, is
about doing things for children. Our motto is bring out
the best in kids. River Valley Optimists was founded in
two thousand, well in the city of Leclair, and we
solely any money that we bring in goes back to
the community. We don't have admin cost certainly with the Fawfest.
(08:10):
There are some things that we pay out a pocket
with the vendor fees that we bring in, but everything
else goes back into the community. So we offer a
basketball camp free to children in the venture. We do
what we call Tour de la Claire, which is a
big will race every year for littles three to six
year olds and the winners in each age bracket gets
(08:35):
to go home with a big will free to children.
We do the backpack program in the school, so we
support that the after prom programs in the school. So
while a lot of our focus is in the PV district, itself.
We're not exclusive to the piece or to the PV district,
(08:57):
So we do if their school districts needs something, they
can write to us and ask for our grantors and
monies and so will support them and whatever they need.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
And there are a lot of different groups that are
out there that do different things. I guess I would
ask you personally what drew you to the Optimist Club
to become a member of this and to participate again, like,
I don't know that we have we don't have lions
anymore in LaClaire, but you have the civic Club, you
have a few other things. But why Optimists?
Speaker 3 (09:27):
So for me personally, when it was founded, I was
new to the area. We had just moved to Leclair
maybe six or seven months prior, wasn't.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I didn't know a.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Lot of people, and one of my neighbors had reached
out to me and said, hey, they're joining this club
maybe or starting this club.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Maybe you want to come and learn about it.
Speaker 3 (09:49):
I've always been a huge volunteer in organizations and other
communities I've lived in, and children in particular or a
passion of mine and doing what we can for them.
So for me it was twofold one the purpose of
the club and also to meet people because I was
new to the area. In the years that we've been chartered.
(10:10):
We are a small but mighty club. We kind of
have our core of people, but we are always looking
for new people to bring new blood. And certainly it's
a win win. You're part of a great organization doing
great things.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Now, how large is the Leclair Optimist Club at this
point in time? About how many members? Do you ask?
Speaker 4 (10:30):
We have about ten active members.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Okay, And if somebody wants to get involved, how would
they do that?
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Sure? So, we do have a Facebook page River Valley
Optimist Club and you can contact us there through Messenger.
We also have an email River Valley Optimist at gmail
dot com and if you come out to fall Fest,
we will be there with a booth you can stop
by and chat with any one of us.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Well, when you're a member of the Optimist Club, what
do you do? What are the sort of requirements of
responsibilities if you're going to be a member of the.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Optimy Actually, when it comes to clubs, it's really pretty nominal.
We have two meetings a month. One is on site
at the Presbyterian Church here in Leclair and then our
second one is at a different restaurant, so we change
locations and where we're going to go.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
And discuss what we're doing.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
So, of course Fallfest is one of our biggest activities
that we do, and that takes a lot of planning
and cooperation with everyone to make it happen. But we
kind of have it set where I said, we have
the Tour de Leclair, and we have basketball and so
we have these things already established and set up in
the processes.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
So it's just a matter.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Of volunteering your time outside of those meetings a few
hours a year, so it's not time a huge time commitment,
and it's just a lot of fun, really good people exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Now.
Speaker 1 (11:58):
You know, we've talked about Fallfest with this tour thing
with the big wheels, When when is that event?
Speaker 3 (12:05):
So it's kind of gone back and forth between the
fall and the spring, and we try to get it
either right before school is out if we're doing it
in the spring, and the other it's just after school
starts in the fall. So this year, with the flooding
earlier in the year, we didn't get it done, and
(12:27):
because of some other stuff we haven't this is our
first year not to do it, so we're really kind
of disappointed. So we'll be looking at the spring to
do that again. We try to advertise certainly locally and
then through the school district, and then it's a lot
of word of mouth because we have people again outside
of the PEV district that will come in and it's
just we run heats.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Each kid gets to run at.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Least two or three races on the big Wheel and
then it's just it's so much fun to see these
littles because a lot of three to six year olds
don't get the opportunity to participate in things often and
so for them to do something, to do something fun
and they really enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Yeah, I mean, the big Wheel is something everybody remembers
as a kid. Absolutely, And gosh, you know, my wife
and I have Antattie's fan Slumporium and we last year
went to the Dallas Gift Show in Dallas and one
of the vendors and sales reps that we spoke to
represented a company that has the big wheels that if
we wanted to bring them into the store, we could.
(13:27):
They're not inexpensive anymore. So we haven't done it. Yet
because we don't know that we have enough room in
the store. But they actually had a demo model that
is for adults. Yeah, and oh my god, you know,
Donna got on this thing and wrote it around and
we're just like, can we buy this product because adults
would buy this please.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
So funny that you say that, because just before Covid
Optimus Club as a fundraiser, thought was to do an adult.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
At Big Wheel Race, so we did purchase five.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
We have not been able to coordinate it yet, but
we still talk about it that that is a plan
because we have the bike, so we will come.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
So be looking for that adults to come out and play.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
Yeah, that definitely would be would be a whole lot
of fun and very very different. Yeah. Now back to
Fallfest that's coming up on Sunday, free to the public.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Free to the public.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
Absolutely would you enter.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
I guess you could enter either on here we are
on let's see, we're on Wisconsin Street. It'd either enter
on Wisconsin or on Jones Street. Then is all right.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
So we're going to be on the north end of
the levee, so we're the boat ramp right off Jones,
so there is limited parking down on the levee because
we don't have moved because we've grown and we've taken
over that large parking space. But yeah, you can enter
and walk down on either side.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Okay, So not only can you just come down to
the levee on Sunday to enjoy the fall fest, there's
also downtown Leclair and if people are going to come
to town, you need to think about coming and checking
out all the shops as well.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Oh, one hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
It's really been great for us in the past years
to have a collaboration between several of the shops to
advertise fall fests. We advertise some of the things that
they're doing, and it's just a great town to walk
up and down the streets and really see what there
is to offer, not just on this particular day, but
other days throughout the year. Food offerings, drink offerings, boutiques
(15:24):
and that kind.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Of thing exactly.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
You know, I keep I've mentioned on this show several times.
You know that if you live in Leclair or you
live in the Quat Cities and you happen to hear this,
you need to come downtown and experience it, you know,
enjoy it, come and support the shops because local shop owners,
you know that they're they're your neighbors, they're your friends,
they and they look for your support.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
So come on down and do that.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Now, you said, you know, part of coming or joining
the Optimist Club was to meet new people.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
What brought you to Leclair? What convince you to move here?
Speaker 3 (15:57):
So my husband was active duty mill terry at the time.
We were living overseas and got orders for Rock Island Arsenal,
which we had never heard of, did not know anything
about the Quad Cities, had no ties here. Initially, I
had reached out to a reelander about finding a place,
and when we were you know, kind of boots on
(16:17):
the ground here, we looked at ten different homes, decided
on Leclair and it was the best decision, you know,
spur of the moment really that we could have made.
We love Leclair, fell in love with it, and when
he retired a couple of years later, that was a
decision that made us stay in the area. So, you know,
this was now the is the permanent location for us.
(16:42):
So that's kind of our story after moving seventeen times,
you know, come prior to coming here saying this is
the place to settle and.
Speaker 4 (16:50):
We've stuck around.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
And what's great.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I was born and raised in Colorado, my husband Arizona.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Okay, and then you traveled. It sounds like all over
the world.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
Now all over the world.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Yeah, okay, yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
So yeah, the Quad Cities is not about place to land. Yeah,
we've seen other places.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yeah, yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
I mean, my wife would prefer to someday live somewhere
that's warmer, that we don't have a winter to deal with.
But I'm born and raised in California, and I kind
of like the change of seasons, and I've gotten used
to it. And when I was a kid, the only
time I ever saw snow, we were on vacation. So
even today, when I see snow, I have to smile
because it feels like I'm on vacation, until, of course
(17:27):
I have to get out the shovel and work on
all that and you know, layer up and do all
those those sorts of things.
Speaker 4 (17:33):
When it's twenty below, it's not so fun. But that's
short lived.
Speaker 2 (17:36):
Yeah, that's true. That's true. Hopefully it is short lived.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Gosh, well, any other things you could tell us about
fall Fest any? I mean, several vendors have been regulars
that have probably come for every year, anything in particular
that's new and exciting that has got you going, oh,
I can't wait for people to see these people.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
So we do have several new vendors this year. Off
the top of my head, one of the kids offerings.
You know kids, don't they kind of get drug along
sometimes with parents while they are doing the shopping. One
of the vendors is going to have a lot of
things for children, in particular at a dollar or two
dollars and so just fun things for them to pick
(18:15):
up and I'm excited for that. And also books for children,
so there's a vendor down there that will have those
as well.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
We have a lot of.
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Hand crafted items which are super fun, tricksies, Tipsy's Tipsy
tea pots which are super cute, and she'll have gnomes
and then some of our other ones that have been
loyal to us and come back with.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
Just a clay of.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Sunshine, homemade hippie with earrings, and boutiques, some great clothing,
r seven with household items, some beautiful things. So just
the wide variety of choices and really something for everyone.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You're very good well, as we've been saying earlier, you know,
come on down to fall Fest, check out the shops downtown.
But see what's going on down with the levee, and
think about helping out the Optimist Club. Again, there's all
these different organizations in town where you can volunteer, and
as people who volunteer, if you're not one of them,
and you're listening, when you volunteer, you normally get more
(19:20):
out of it than you put into it. And that's
that's the refrain you hear from everyone. So think about
the Optimist Club. Come on down to the Leclaire Levee
on Sunday, check it out, check out fall Fest, and Jessica,
I thank you for joining us today and good luck
with this event. And I'll look forward to when this
big wheel.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Race comes up.
Speaker 3 (19:39):
Right absolutely we'll put it out there. Thank you for
having me.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
This sounds good.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So once again, that's fall Fest down on the Levee
and Leclaire from eleven to four on Sunday. Come on
out and join us, join the Optimist Club, see what
they've got going on with their different vendors on the levee,
and take a stroll down town, check out and see
what your local shops have available. You know, get some
ideas for fall, get some ideas for for Christmas gifts
for people on your list this year, or even get
(20:03):
some of your shopping done early however you want to
do it. You know, there's always something going on, and
it seems in downtown Leclaire, so we've got this on
October thirteenth. The following weekend, you've got Autumn market days
where shops could have sidewalk sales and other things going on,
so be sure and check it out or check out
the different websites or Facebook pages for some of your
(20:24):
favorite shops. Again in downtown leclair Also on Saturday, the
nineteenth of October, the Buffalo Stampede, where there will be
a good event to introduce all the Buffaloes that are downtown,
so you'll be able to learn more about those online,
but come on out to the event learn more about
the contest that's going on to win a great local
cloud basket. Should be a fun time. Again, that's next weekend,
(20:48):
October nineteenth for the Buffalo Stampede. Then you get in
the following weekend, we're already headiting to Halloween. So on Saturday,
October twenty sixth, do you have our annual Witches Walk
happening down town where you can see all these kids
dressed up in costume. They gather down at the Civic
Club for different events down there. There's a trunk or
treat going on in the parking lot there, and then
(21:10):
kids are walking around for a couple of hours between
ten thirty and twelve thirty on that Saturday trick or
treating at all the businesses. It's always fun to see
this whole parade of all these different costumes walking up
and down Cody Road. So again, remember which is walk
is coming up on October the twenty sixth. Then we
get into November, we'll be getting into Thanksgiving. Then you're
(21:31):
gonna have a good gosh. You know, there's not a
big deal for Black Friday in downtown Leclair, but shops
are open and it might be a better experience than
trying to fight the crowds at the big box stores.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
So come on down.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
And then there's Small Business Saturday, which is always a
great time for the shops again in downtown. And then
the following weekend we're already to Christmas and Leclaire, Oh
my gosh, you know, this year is just going by
way too fast now and as we're in the fourth quarter,
it just seems to celerate quicker and quicker. But Christmas
and Leclair, you know, you have the strolling Santa's. It's
(22:05):
going on on the Friday, December sixth, Saturday, December seventh,
Sunday December eighth. There's a craft show at the Civic Center.
There's also a Santa's Workshop gift shop where kids can
find gifts for different people and different things. It's a
great little thing. There's also the silent auctions that go on.
We're also looking at having carriage rides, you know, a
(22:25):
short ride probably down Front Street on the Sunday from
twelve to three, so that'll be something in addition that
you can see. Plus there's usually strolling Santa's in downtown Leclair,
wandering from shop to shop. You never know who you're
going to see or what's going to happen. So again,
mark your calendars Christmas and Leclair this year December sixth, seventh,
and eighth in downtown Leclair. Again, I appreciate you joining
(22:49):
us and listening to the program today. And this is
living in Leclair
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