What’s happening with RAGBRAI®?

 

CRESCO - Now that the Mighty Howard County Fair has ended, it is time to look forward to RAGBRAI® XLV.
With a special section being printed the week before the bicycle riding event on July 27, local committees had to finalize their plans, allowing the Times Plain Dealer to share some of that information with readers.
The route on Thursday starts at the Wednesday overnight town of Charles City. It continues through Ionia, to New Hampton, to Lawler, to Protivin and then to Cresco. The riders will turn onto 10th Ave. when they get to Cresco, and turn again on S. Elm St. From there, they will continue to their campgrounds.
A grand entrance to the main activity area is a RAGBRAI® tradition, and Cresco is doing it big, with a pair of 12 feet tall monstrosities on N. Elm St. in front of Fareway! The entrance is usually a photo opportunity for riders. Other photo ops will be a couple of graveyards just past the entrance, strolling goblins and other paranormal characters, the marquee at the Cresco Theatre & Opera House and the map on the side of the County Store’s building.
One of the most anticipated parts of RAGBRAI® is the entertainment. At present, that includes tours of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s boyhood farm from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Les Fields and the Turkey River All-Stars; Paranormal Showcase, with give a review from Cresco Theatre & Opera House (twice); Trick-or-Treating for kids with bike vendors (not residential); S.O.C. Band; Minnesota Jack Sparrow; EF5 Band; Monster Arm Wrestling; Bikes for Kids Program; costume party; AA meeting; Six to Midnight Band; and Rock Godz Band.
The main entertainment will be next to the theatre. Vendors will be set up on 1st Ave. E., 2nd Ave. W, with a few others being on N. Elm St.
Volunteers are still needed for several committees such as hospitality and campgrounds. To sign up, even for a couple hours, contact the Chamber at 563-547-3434.
Host families are also needed. Those who have had overnight guests in the past were quite pleased with their experience and plan to do it again.
There are all sorts of local food vendors, along with some out of towners. On the list are many local organizations and businesses.  
There will be free shuttle stops at all the campground areas, including fairgrounds, Kessel Park, East Park, Crestwood High School and Evans Park. Riders will be dropped off around N. Elm St. and 3rd Ave.
One entire RAGBRAI® group, Pork Bellies numbering around 1,500, will be staying at Kessel Park.
On Friday, the riders will leave Cresco, going down Hwy. 9 and crossing onto the Pole Line Road to go to Decorah, Ossian, Castalia, Postville and lastly Waukon.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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