Another Bix in the books, now the celebration begins

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - The race, the sweat, the hard part is over — and it’s time for runners and the community to celebrate the end of Bix 51.

“This is Cori’s first Junior Bix and Kadence’s first Quick Bix, and I got to run with him—his first one. So it’s great history, great tradition,” said Lisa Kragenbrink, a runner and event attendee.

Music, food, and fun activities have taken over downtown Davenport.

“This whole weekend is a big celebration of Quad Cities art, music. And it’s just wonderful to get out with everybody—exercising and dancing,” said Leo Kelly, a caricaturist.

Recurrent visitors, first timers, and even vendors cherish the home feeling and the chance to connect with others living here.

“This is our second time in Davenport. We love the town. I mean, immediately—it felt like home to me,” said Cody Palmer, from Sparkle Carcass band.

“Be part of the Bix is, for me, a great pleasure to be part of the community celebration. I am serving empanadas—Argentinian empanadas,” said Erika Arnao, from Eli’s Empanadas.

In the end, the Bix is all about the community and giving people moments to remember.

“Crossing the finish line and then seeing my husband and my daughter afterwards, I started crying,” said Lis Feller, a Bix runner, with a laugh.

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz is the water, ag & environment reporter for KWQC TV6 News and The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. She is also a Report for America corps member.