Our History
A look back at the growth, community, and moments that shaped Vettes on the River,
1,000+ Corvettes
showcased over the years
$50,000+ Raised
for local Veterans organizations
15+ Years
of Vettes on the River
Vettes on the River
Vettes on the River is an all-Corvette car show held along the Mississippi River in LeClaire, Iowa. Each year, Corvettes from across the country gather to celebrate their shared passion while supporting local Quad Cities Veterans organizations.
What began as a small regional gathering has grown into a signature community event defined by collaboration, generosity, and a shared love for the Corvette.
What’s Your Secret?
“I believe it was around mid-day on August 29th of 2015. I was sitting at a picnic table on the LeClaire Iowa Levee outdoor pavilion. The morning light rain had finally left the area and I was enjoying the live music, my pork tenderloin sandwich, all the Corvettes on display, and feeling very proud to be a member of the host club Mid-West Corvettes, Inc. An officer from one of the other clubs in attendance came up to me and asked me a simple, straight forward question…’What’s your secret?’ How do you put on such a successful Corvette car show and fill the levee with 262 Corvettes from 35 regional Corvette clubs and non-affiliated Corvette owners. (It’s no secret that rain, and Corvettes usually don’t make for a great car show turn-out.) So I turned to my Corvette Club counterpart and had a quick answer. You’re surrounded by it!!! I really didn’t have to expound on my answer as I could see he knew what I was talking about as soon as I said it.”
The answer was simple: the event is built on community. Not just the cars, but the people, the setting, and the shared effort behind it all.
Through the Years
2010 | 23 Corvettes
The event began in 2010 as a small effort already focused on supporting local children’s charities through the Mid-West Corvette Club.
At the time, the goal was simple: bring Corvette owners together while continuing to support charitable causes. The first informal gathering with the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club brought together 23 total Corvettes. 9 cars from Mid-West Corvettes and 14 cars from Cedar Rapids. The meeting was held in the Amana Colnies and centered around a shared drive, lunch, and exchange of ideas between clubs.
2011 | 66 Corvettes
The Cedar Rapids Corvette Club invited Mid-West Corvettes to a joint car show at the Grand Harbor in Dubuque, Iowa. Mid-West Corvettes arrived with 44 cars, while Cedar Rapid brought 22. The event strengthened relationships between the clubs and reinforced the value of collaboration. During conversations that day, the phrase “Vettes on the River” was mentioned, and the name of the event was born.
2012 | 250+ Corvettes
Collaboration between clubs continued to build momentum through regional Corvette gatherings and shared participation in Midwest car events. Participation and interest continued expanding beyond the original two clubs and laid the groundwork for future large-scale events.
2013 | 237 Corvettes
The Cedar Rapids Corvette Club celebrated its 50th anniversary, prompting a shift in hosting responsibilities for the annual gathering. The event returned to Dubuque at the Grand Harbor and expanded significantly with the addition of the Key City corvette Club as a co-host.
The event expanded significantly, bringing together approximately 27 Corvette clubs. Collaboration between clubs strengthened participation, organization, and long-term success.
2014 | 257 Corvettes
The event returned to LeClaire, Iowa, where it began taking shape as a larger community tradition. Additional activities were introduced, including entertainment and interactive experiences, but a major shift also took place in the event’s purpose. A core committee member suggested focusing fundraising efforts on Veterans, specifically supporting the Vietnam Veterans Gateway Chapter 776, a local organization that is not federally funded. All donation collected were directed back into local support efforts for Veterans.
2014 was the first year that featured a Color Guard ceremony, adding a strong sense of honor and recognition to the event. New attractions included a NASCAR racing simulator, and despite varied weather conditions, the event continued to grow. With approximately 32 Corvette clubs and 257 Corvettes in attendance, the event raised $7,000 for Veterans.
At the end of the event, a Corvette owner invited Veterans to sign the hood of their car, a gesture that became a symbol of connection and appreciation.
2015 | 262 Corvettes
LeClaire fully embraced the event’s return, reflecting strong community support and enthusiasm from participants who valued the location along the Mississippi river. The event continued to grow with 35 invited Corvette clubs and 262 Corvettes in attendance. New additions included a live band, an expanded Color Guard ceremony featuring a bagpiper, and the continued presence of the NASCAR racing simulator.
Despite light rain earlier in the day, participation remained strong, reinforcing the resilience and dedication of the Corvette community. That year, the event raised $9,000 for the Vietnam Veterans Mississippi Valley Memorial Chapter 669. The growing success is a result of continued volunteer support, community involvement, sponsorships, and participant loyalty.
2016 | 350+ Corvettes
The event had grown beyond expectations, welcoming over 350 Corvettes. That year, proceeds were directed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 299, with more than $15,000 raised in support of local Veterans. The continued growth in both attendance and fundraising reflected the strength of the community and the lasting impact of the event’s mission.
2017 | 500+ Corvettes
Vettes on the River saw another major increase in participation with more than 500 Corevettes filling the LeClaire Levee. The scale of the event continued to expand, drawing participants from across the region and beyond. Aerial drone footage from that year captured the full scope of the event, showcasing the growing size, energy, and community presence that had come to define Vettes on the River.
2018 | 650+ Corvettes
Both growth and transition happened in 2018. Attendance reached more than 650 Corvettes, making it the largest gathering in the event’s history (as of 2025). Vettes on the River received Eriksen Chevrolet’s “Three Degree Guarantee” for August.
Following the event, there was a leadership change. As co-chairperson responsibilities transitioned from Randy Huber to Sherry Zaruba-Cassatt, continuing the event’s legacy under new leadership.
Randy Huber | (2010 – 2018) Vettes on the River Co-chairperson. We thank you for all your work and dedication.
Sherry Zaruba-Cassatt | (2018 – Present) Vettes on the River Co-chairperson
2019 | 400+ Corvettes
New media coverage and video content captured the event from fresh perspectives, reflecting its continued evolution and increasing visibility. Vettes on the River remained a staple summer event, bringing together Corvette enthusiasts and supporting local Veterans.
2020 | 0 Corvettes
Vettes on the River was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 | 236 Corvettes
The event returned following the previous year’s cancellation, bringing the community back together. That year, $12,000 was raised and donated in support of Veterans. Vettes on the River also received Eriksen Chevrolet’s “Three Degree Guarantee” for $580.
2022 | ~300 Corvettes
VOTR continued to rebuild, welcoming nearly 300 Corvettes back to the Levee. The year included local new coverage highlighting the event’s return and impact. Vettes on the River once again received Eriksen Chevrolet’s “Three Degree Guarantee” and raised $12,000 for Veterans.
2023 | 250+ Corvettes
Vettes on the River raised $17,000 in support of Veterans organizations.
2024 | 255 Corvettes
The 2024 event brought 255 Corvettes to the river, even with temperatures climbing above 100°F. Despite the extreme heat, participation remained strong. Vettes on the River also received Eriksen Chevrolet’s “Three Degree Guarantee” for $580.
2025 | 250+ Corvettes
2026 | Anticipating 250+ Corvettes
The Story Continues
What began as a small gathering of Corvette enthusiasts has grown into a beloved annual tradition along the Mississippi River. Each year brings new memories, stronger connections, and a continued support for the Veterans who inspire our mission.
We are grateful to every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who has helped shape Vettes on the River over the years. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.