Take your photo with the "ROCK ISLAND" letters

To celebrate the installation of 4½-foot-tall steel "ROCK ISLAND" letters and the conversion of a parking lot into usable green space at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 18th Street, the City of Rock Island and Rock Island Downtown Alliance are holding a photo contest beginning Saturday, July 12, through Thursday, July 31. Participants are encouraged to flex their creativity by taking photos of the block letters to celebrate the character of our community.

Photos must be shared publicly on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #downtownrockisland no later than midnight July 31. Participants may submit multiple photos, which may be taken at any time day or night (under the lights) and contain people, pets or just the letters framed in an artistic way.

“I invite residents and visitors to show their love for Rock Island by participating in this fun contest,” said Mayor Ashley Harris. “The newly installed block letters offer a great opportunity to capture creative photos, and this is a special way we can all celebrate the revitalization of our downtown and the spirit of Rock Island.”

Winners will be recognized during the Aug. 25 Rock Island City Council meeting and presented with the following prizes:

1st Place | Suite Staycation

• Dinner and Show at Circa ’21 ($140 gift card for two tickets)
• One-night stay at Holiday Inn ($150 gift card for one room)
• Drinks at Icons Martini ($25 gift card)
• Carry-out snacks at Healthy Harvest Urban Farms ($20 gift card)

2nd Place | Shopping Spree

• Lunch at Roosters Sports Bar & Grill ($35 gift card)
• Manicure at Lavish Salon and Spa ($30 gift card)
• Clothing/accessories at Brick and Motor Boutique ($25 gift card)
• Vinyl, CDs and more at Ragged Records & Music ($25 gift card)  
• Vintage finds at Skeleton Key Art & Antiques ($25 gift card)

3rd Place | Daring Destinations

• The Gangsters and Ghosts Tour by QC Haunts & History ($40 gift card for two tickets)
• Escape Room Experience at Skellington Manor ($30 gift card for 4-8 players)
• Drinks at Wake Brewing ($15 gift card)

Honorable Mention | Cultural Course

• Admission to Quad City Botanical Center ($20 gift card for two tickets)
• Drinks and bites at Rozz-Tox ($20 gift card)
• Staff-guided tour of Quad City Arts Gallery

The unveiling of the green lawn and “ROCK ISLAND” letters mark an exciting milestone for the City of Rock Island's Rebuild Downtown Project, which is nearing completion. Crews this week finished the underground infrastructure improvements at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 19th Street and began paving the area on Friday, getting one step closer to reopening the busy corridor to traffic. Final pieces of the project include the installation of the "Welcome to Downtown Rock Island" sign on the archway at 1st Avenue and 18th Street, planned for later this summer. 

The community also is invited to enjoy the new public amenities this weekend at 2nd Saturdays on 2nd Ave. during the QC Farmers' Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12, in the 1800 block of 2nd Avenue. The free, all-ages program presented by the Downtown Alliance will feature live music by artist Eva Kendall; an all-levels yoga class led by Refined Fit Lab; outdoor games; and bubble stations sponsored by Gas & Electric Credit Union. In addition, patrons may enjoy food and beverage specials on outdoor patios at nearby establishments.