Eagle Watch to Proceed

One of Iowa’s top tourism events stands to have its best draw ever next month, but faces a few obstacles following the September 11th attacks. The observation deck of Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk is off-limits for security reasons, but the “Bald Eagle Appreciation Days” will still go on. Kirk Brandenberger, executive director of the Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, says the old Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge will still be open for observation of the big birds during the festival, which is scheduled for January 18th through the 20th. Brandenberger says “Bald Eagle Appreciation Days” traditionally draws many thousands of people to the southeast Iowa town. The event was named Iowa’s 2001 tourism event of the year. There’s a certain amount of irony in the fact the higher security following the terrorist attacks will be bit of an obstacle for people who want to see the national symbol soaring free along the Mississippi River. For more details on the event, call 800 383-1219.