Retro Rally Revving Back Into Rock Island
Fans of the Retro Rally and Street Fair are ready to twist again like they did last summer, with a whirl of ‘50s-themed nostalgia and cool events for the whole family at the fourth annual shindig hitting Rock Island’s college hill Saturday from noon to 5.
Memories of rallies past continue to drive the success and crowd numbers of the annual Retro Rally and Street Fair in Rock Island’s college hill, and have driven up expectations for this year’s event.
“This year’s event is going to be much bigger, much better!” said organizer Jennifer Horvath, who also owns one of the participating businesses in the fest, Fred and Ethel’s. “The first few years, we didn’t have any idea how well it was going to go over, or if it was going to go over well at all. We were just kind of putting it together, trying to do something that people would like and hoping that people would come out to it. And thankfully, they did. We take the things that people liked about last year’s fest and keeping those going, and add a lot of other things that we think people are really going to like as well.”
Over 60 vendors will be on hand, bands will be playing, car shows and a vespa scooter show will roll out, a pin-up contest will unfurl and roller derby will crash its way in, drink tastings will slake the thirst of patrons, cupcake ladies will pop by to indulge your sweet tooth, a side show will bounce through with a variety of odd and unusual acts and there will be ample food, vending and local specials.
“It’s a community getting together and enjoying an afternoon full of fun, all with the flair of the neighborhood soaked in the ‘50s nostalgia,” Horvath said.
“We’re just really excited about it, we think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Horvath said. “It’s a great, family-friendly event where people can come out and support local businesses and local entertainers and enjoy a wide variety of activities, and it’s free, so you can’t beat that! We’re looking forward to it being bigger and better this year, and hopefully for many years to come.”
Interested in being a part of the rally as a vendor? It’s not too late to sign on for a $20 or $35 vendor table. Contact Ms. Horvath at retrorallyri@gmail.com.
Fourth Annual Retro Rally and Street Fair
12-5 p.m., Saturday, June 4
Various locations, 30th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues, Rock Island
Free
