RAGBRAI officials will visit Decorah next week

The pre-ride VIP advisor-riders from RAGBRAI will come through Decorah on Friday, June 9th. "This will be our opportunity to share our plans, route, and special events with the organizers," says City Manager Chad Bird.  "It will be a great opportunity to showcase what Decorah will have to offer for the full ride on July 28th."

The riders will arrive in Decorah around 8:00 a.m.  The local organizing committee will be able to spend about an hour with the team discussing plans for RAGBRAI in Decorah. After that time the VIPs will move on to the next town and continue their survey of the full route.
 
"Food sales and vending options are a big part of the local planning efforts and vendors are actively seeking space in Decorah," added DACC Executive Director Kristina Wiltgen. The Decorah RAGBRAI committee has elected to allow local vendors only within the city limits. "It is very important to the planning committee to support Nordic Fest and local establishments. For this reason, traveling food trucks and other vendors will not be granted space," said Wiltgren.

If you are planning to sell any food products regardless of location on public or private property or proximity to city limits, contact Merri Cross with the Iowa Department of Public Health's Department of Inspections and Appeals.

There will be three or four inspectors in Decorah during RAGBRAI. "If you do not have a permit they will shut you down while you fill out the paperwork and pay the fee. You will then only be allowed to reopen your stand if you have proper equipment, procedures and set-up," says Wiltgen.

An online system for volunteer registration is available at www.decorahareachamber.com/calendar under "RAGBRAI Volunteer." Emails will be sent as volunteer events get organized. A complete schedule will be sent in mid-July.

Decorah residents that live along the official RAGBRAI route will be receiving a "save the date" postcard with a map of the route. As the event approaches additional mailings will be sent to those residents to assist them with planning for street closures, routes to work and expected timing of the riders in town. In late June a mailing will go out to businesses with RAGBRAI and Nordic Fest information.

If you have questions please call Kristina Wiltgen at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce at (563)382-3990 or Chad Bird at City Hall at (563)382-3651.