Thousands of bicyclists are making their way through Webster City today as part of the annual RAGBRAI cross-state tour.
This is the third time in the past 10 years that RAGBRAI has visited Webster City. In 2012, the community hosted the riders for an overnight stay. In 2015, the city was a pass-through town.
Riders will spent last night in Fort Dodge before heading out for Iowa Falls. Webster City is one of the communities the bicyclists will ride through on the way to their next overnight destination.
The route through Webster City will bring riders into town via James Street to Grove Street and then to Second Street, due to the street construction. The theme for Webster City is “Wheelie Colorful,” featuring a logo with a tandem bicycle.
The hospitality committee has been busy this week, sprucing up areas of the community, putting up welcome signs and Burma Shave-style signs on old Highway 20 and along James Street. Welcoming and waving to the bicyclists this morning were members of the Rotary Club who gathered with music and signs.
Downtown, riders will find a variety of food vendors and other attractions. The American Legion is operating a beer garden and providing food for hungry cyclists. A semi-trailer was brought in to service as a stage for musicians scheduled to perform this morning.
LIFT WC, the nonprofit organization that is renovating the former Elks Building, took on the task of lining up a slate of entertainment. Darcy Swon, a member of the LIFT WC board of directors, said nearly all of the musicians performing are local entertainers.
“LIFT WC always tries to recognize local talent and previously, many of these performers have entertained at our music nights and at the End of Summer Block Party,” Swon said. “What better way to welcome the people to Webster City than with some wonderful local talent.”
The artist lineup includes the Tucker Judkins Trio, Ismael Gomez, Shannon Swon, FourFront, Leo Lovesong, Clint Riedel and Humble Beginnings. Entertainment will begin at about 8:15 a.m., with the last act scheduled to perform at about 1 p.m.
Organizers said the first riders are expected roll into Webster City beginning around 6:30 or 7 a.m. and the last cyclists are expected to move on to the next destination by 1 p.m. Officials said the streets and intersections that were closed for the event should reopen around 2 p.m.
Last modified: July 27, 2021