Fourth of July celebration events are finally back in full swing, so you will have a multitude of events to choose from to celebrate Independence Day this year! Here is a list of events in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. If you have an event to add to this list, email marketing@rundeautogroup.com!   BELLEVUE, IA Heritage Days Saturday & Sunday, July 3–4 in downtown Bellevue Family-friendly activities including carnival rides, a Queen contest, dance, parade, petting zoo, a show by Ski Bellevue, vintage tractor, car and motorcycle displays, and fireworks. Live music both nights. DUBUQUE, IA Fireworks on the River Saturday, July 3 at 5:30 PM at A.Y. McDonald Park  Air show followed by fireworks at dusk. Ham House 4th of July Celebration Sunday, [...]

Reflections in the Park has become a Dubuque tradition.  The annual light festival, which raises funds for Hillcrest Family Services, runs Nov. 26 through Jan. 3 at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque. The price is $10 per vehicle at the gate. (Discounted tickets for $8 are available at all DB&T banking centers as well as Hillcrest locations.) There will also be a one-night-only walk through event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The cost is the same and children 3 and under are free. Each person requires a ticket for the walk through. Runde Auto Group is proud to be a continued sponsor for this event. As you make your way through the park, watch out for our Chevrolet Silverado display, along with the many unique light displays from other area businesses and lighted memorials for loved ones in [...]

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, Ford is focusing on helping the newest drivers on the road learn safe driving skills. The automotive brand has invested $60 million in the cause with its Ford Driving Skills for Life program, which teaches newly licensed and teen drivers the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs. Hands-on training clinics (along with web-based curriculum) focus on four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of vehicle crashes: Hazard recognition Vehicle handling Speed management Space management Sign up here to be notified when a free hands-on training event is near you. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, which is [...]

The intense storm that hit the Midwest last week caused devastating damage to farms, homes, cities, and vehicles in Iowa with its category 3 hurricane winds. As Iowans pick up the pieces, Ford is hoping to help by offering Employee Pricing on select new Ford vehicles. The Iowa Disaster Relief offer extends to Iowa residents in select counties who experienced a verified total loss or damage to their vehicle from the storm on Aug. 10, 2020. Customers can redeem this offer on one new Ford vehicle purchase/lease for each loss/damaged vehicle. Previous purchases are not eligible for this incentive. To qualify for the Iowa Disaster Relief Employee Pricing offer, you must:        • Reside in one of these Iowa counties: Benton, Boone, Cedar, [...]

Runde Auto Group is proud to once again provide transportation for the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team during their stay in the tri-states. While this year’s Fireworks and Air Show event was canceled for the first time ever, the team will still perform jumps as scheduled. “They are doing a Heros Jumping For Heros Tribute,” said Perry Mason, event coordinator and general sales manager of Radio Dubuque. “Earlier this year you may have seen Thunderbirds and Blue Angels doing flyovers to salute health care workers – this is the Golden Knights’ tribute. It’s for health care workers, essential workers, and front line folks who kept everyone safe during this time.” The Golden Knights have been performing in Dubuque for the last 20 years. “It was very tough for us to cancel the fireworks and air show, but obviously the decision we had to make,” Mason said. “We are not going to have as many [...]

Runde Auto Group has been a major sponsor of JDIFF from the start. For more information about the film festival, visit JulienFilmFest.com. This year’s Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is coming to your living room. The 2020 festival, which was originally postponed due to COVID-19, will now be a virtual event. It was a decision that Executive Director Susan Gorrell and the JDIFF Board of Directors did not make lightly. “The health and safety of everyone – attendees, volunteers, vendors, venue staff and filmmakers – takes precedence,” said Brian Cooper, JDIFF board president. “We want to make the best of the situation with a virtual festival soon and a bigger event next year.” Next year’s film festival, set for April 18-25, 2021, will span more days and include both 2020 and 2021 Official Selections. VIRTUAL [...]

With quarantines and lock downs taking place all across the country, it can be easy to get a little bored! Here are a few quarantine activities to keep you occupied during this uncertain time. 1. Give your vehicle a little TLC Ford has provided these great graphics to help you disinfect your vehicle. While you are at it, check your wipers and tires to see if they need to be replaced. Vacuum out the car and trunk. Have kids? Pull out the car seats to clean underneath.               [...]

Runde Auto Group has been selling vehicles online long before COVID-19, so we are well-prepared to help you buy your next vehicle online from the comfort of your home. No matter what step you are currently at in the buying process, we have the online tools to help you. Step One: Researching Trying to decide between leasing or buying? Read this article or take this quiz. Also check out these current lease prices to help you make a decision. Try this payment calculator to see what monthly payment you might expect so you can plan your budget accordingly. Not sure what vehicle you want? Check out this information on fuel economy, as well as safety. Here’s a look at the difference between trading in [...]

Automakers like GM, Ford, and FCA have joined in to help fight the Coronavirus by partnering with other corporations to address shortages of face masks, ventilators, and other medical equipment. GM and Ventec Life Systems, in cooperation with StopTheSpread.org, are collaborating to increase Ventec’s production of respiratory care products, according to this press release. “We are working closely with Ventec to rapidly scale up production of their critically important respiratory products to support our country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO in the press release. “We will continue to explore ways to help in this time of crisis.” Using GM’s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing power will aid Ventec to build more of the respiratory products that are needed across the country during the pandemic. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is manufacturing and donating more than 1 million protective face masks per month. The masks are to be donated to police, [...]

6-1-21 UPDATE 7-31-20 UPDATE 5-15-20 UPDATE During the COVID-19 epidemic, now more than ever, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. That’s why we have committed to being a Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC Clean Dealer. We are committed to using enhanced vehicle cleaning measures with CDC-approved cleansers before delivering your vehicle after purchase or service, including cleaning your instrument panel, hard and plastic surfaces, seats, and carpet. We care about you and your vehicle. This is just another way that we go above and beyond to show it.

Runde’s is the Best Dealership in the Dubuque Area – Best Fest Winner The dictionary defines the word “best” as follows: noun – that which is the most excellent, outstanding, or desirable.  From a yet more extended point of view, one could sum up that definition simply as “something great that many people want”.  This is likely an important clue as to why Runde Auto Group has blossomed into the largest dealer group in the Tri-States over the past 20 years.    2020 Best Fest Voting A big shout of thanks goes out to the residents of the Tri-State community because after all the votes had been tallied, Runde Auto Group once again stood alone as the titleholder for “Best [...]

This year’s Julien Dubuque International Film Festival fundraising gala will be a groovy good time. “Peace, Love & JDIFF,” a nod to the late 1960s and early 1970s, is set for Saturday, Feb. 8. The fourth annual event will be held at a new venue this year, the Hotel Julien Dubuque Grande Ballroom. It will feature a silent and live auction, as well as a plated dinner. Cocktail hour will be from 6 to 7 p.m., and dinner begins at 7. The suggested attire is funky, colorful, and fun – reminiscent of Woodstock era. “Who says fundraising events have to be stuffy and formal?” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. “We want this event to capture the spirit of the festival itself: casual, [...]

Help Runde Auto Group win Dubuque’s Best Fest Competition’s Best Car/Truck Dealership and Best Place for Auto Repair in the Tri-States AGAIN by voting this year!  Being the best you can be requires a high level of commitment and that is evident at Runde Auto Group where our dealership continues to grow each year. Of course, bigger is not necessarily better, and that’s why at Runde’s we know that being the best requires continually improving by offering top notch customer service and also by listening to our customer base in order to learn better ways to do things.  Dubuque’s Best Fest is an annual benefit that supports Hospice of Dubuque. It encourages the community to vote for their favorite Dubuque-area products, services, food, entertainment, and more. There is a limit of one [...]

Runde Chevrolet – Proud Dubuque Event Sponsor This year marks the 25th year of Reflections in the Park – Hillcrest Lights Festival! The event, which raises funds for Hillcrest Family Services, runs through Jan. 4, 2020. It is open 5-10 p.m. daily at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque. The price is $10 per vehicle at the gate. Don’t miss the Runde Auto Group Silverado display!  Runde Chevrolet is proud to be a sponsor again for this event. Santa will be on hand every Monday in December before Christmas between 5 and 8 p.m. to distribute candy to the youngsters. Dog treats will also be given to canine visitors. Last year, Reflections in the Park was a record-setting [...]

Chevrolet has contributed more than $13 million to the American Cancer Society over the past 10 years with its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. This year is no different, and it is so easy for you to participate as a part of #TeamRunde! For every post on Twitter or Instagram during the month of October that includes the hashtag #IDriveFor, Chevrolet will contribute $5 to the American Cancer Society (up to $220,000). So tell us, who do you drive for?

Runde Auto Group is proud to once again be a title sponsor of America’s River Festival! The annual event will be held June 21 and 22 in the Port of Dubuque. Performers will include Clint Black, Pure Prairie League, the Steve Miller Band, and more! Plus, we will be handing out a FREE T-SHIRT to the first 1,000 people in the gate on Friday night! Here’s the schedule for America’s River Festival:   Friday, June 21 Elizabeth Mary – 7 p.m. Blackhawk – 8:30 p.m. Clint Black – 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Pure Prairie League – 7 p.m. Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives – 8:30 p.m. Steve Miller Band – 10 p.m.  Buy Tickets

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, set for Wednesday to Sunday, April 24-28 in downtown Dubuque, has extended the festivities to cover five days! “We needed another day to fit in all the great panels, screenings, and events we have planned,” said Susan Gorrell, executive director of the festival. More than 20 features, 20 documentaries and 70 shorts were named Official Selections this year and will be screened at 10 venues in downtown Dubuque. There were over 700 submissions from over 50 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Cuba, New Zealand, and more. Film Schedule >                                            Watch Nominee Trailers >                [...]

Run4Troops is set to take place on June 29, 2019 and Runde Auto Group is proud to once again be a major sponsor of this worthwhile event! This year, the point-to-point, chip-timed Boston qualifying race, will debut a new out-and-back course and a half marathon! Proceeds from Run4Troops, set for June 29, 2019, directly support tri-state military, past, present, and future. “Our objective is to give all participants an opportunity for a great experience and raise some money for a great cause,” said race director Connie Hodge. Over the years, they have dispersed more than $105,000 to local military causes. More than 6,500 runners have participated in the event from 46 states and nine countries! Proceeds are donated to organizations including the Veteran’s Freedom Center, University of Dubuque ROTC, National Guard, University of Dubuque Veterans Center, American Red Cross Readiness Unit, [...]

Our Runde employee, Joe Gourley, was on location at the Chicago Auto Show on Friday!   Here are some pictures from his visit. The Chicago Auto Show takes place in the McCormick Place civic center on the southern portion of Downtown Chicago near Soldier Field and the Field Museum. The Auto Show features domestic & import cars, trucks, SUV’s and vans as will as not-yet-released concept cars. In all, approximately 900-1000 different vehicles are displayed at this event annually. It’s a great place to take your family, but remember that the best time to go is early in the morning on weekdays. If you go on a weekend, you can expect to see tons of people there and lines for some exhibits can be extremely long. So try go early on weekdays, if possible, to avoid the large crowds.

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival will once again put the “fun” in fundraising with its third annual gala, set for Saturday, February 16 in the Harbor Room at Diamond Jo Casino. “As Time Goes By: A JDIFF Hollywood Night” invites you to walk back through the romance and glamour of the fabulous forties with a nod to Casablanca’s Rick’s Café along the way. The suggested attire will be 1940’s vintage glam – reminiscent of the Bogart, Bergman and Bacall era. The event will include a silent auction, live auction, and plated dinner. Peckosh Pediatric Dentistry will be hosting a complimentary cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and $900 per table [...]

Ready to rock in the new year with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra? The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra will again join forces with local rock bands to present a symphonic rock experience! The Ultimate Rock Hits Concert is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Mississippi Moon Bar in Diamond Jo Casino. Runde Auto Group is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of this Dubuque Symphony Concert!    The concert will feature chart toppers from the 1970s to today. Previously they have performed covers of legendary songs from groups like Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Performers from local bands will include Joie Wails, Boogie Monster, Few Blind Mice, Tete de [...]

The 24th annual Dubuque Reflections in the Park is back!   The lights festival that raises money for Hillcrest Family Services saw a record-setting year last year, raising more than $148,000. Nearly 14,000 vehicles drove through the park.   “The Dubuque Reflections in the Park absolutely could not happen without our amazing volunteers,” said Darlene Bolsinger, Reflections in the Park coordinator. “Their time, talent, and dedication is outstanding.”   Open 5-10 p.m. daily Nov. 22 through Jan. 1 at Louis Murphy Park in Dubuque, this year’s event features many new light displays. Runde Auto Group is a proud sponsor of the Silverado display!  

Chevrolet’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign is back for the eighth year to help finish the fight against breast cancer! Runde Chevrolet is proud to once again participate in this important program. Who do you drive for? Join Chevrolet and #TeamRunde in the fight against breast cancer this October! For every post on Twitter or Instagram that uses the hashtag #IDriveFor October 1-31, Chevrolet Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society (up to $400,000)! PLUS, if you stop in to Runde Chevrolet and take a photo with our #IDriveFor sign, you will get a couple free PINK Runde koozies! Nearly $10 million has been contributed to the American Cancer Society since the start of this program in 2011.

Voices Productions has taken to the streets of Dubuque once again to add color and life to buildings around the city. Last year, the organization suspended its 11-year tradition of Millwork District gallery shows to embark on a public art project. The result was 18 large scale new murals in Dubuque.  See the 2017 murals here.   The group is setting out to complete nine more in 2018, bringing the total to 27.  So far two are in progress or completed: one on the Steve’s Ace Hardware building at 200 S. Locust St., and one at 1638 Central Ave. Many others are planned for Central Avenue. “The difference between this year is that property owners are reaching out to us, asking to participate in the mural initiative by requesting a mural on their wall and offering to pay for it,” said Sam Mulgrew, president of Humanities Iowa and one of the five directors of Voices Productions. [...]

Our Ford Drive 4 UR School test drive event on Friday raised more than $5,000 for the West Delaware Athletic Booster Club! The event, held at the Beckman Sports Complex in Manchester, saw more than 250 test drives of new Ford vehicles. For each test drive, Ford donated $20. “It was hosted during a softball tournament so we had a great turnout for the Ford Drive 4 UR School event,” said Aaron Young, sales manager at Runde Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Manchester. “It will be a very positive boost for the community.” Thank you to everyone who test drove a vehicle!