The Ames council approved a first passage to suspend certain ordinances to accommodate bikers during the 50th RAGBRAI.
The suspended ordinances would be for July 24 through 26 and would allow overnight camping in parks and put RAGBRAI organizers in charge of street vending — which would temporarily suspend the 10% city revenue fee and allow temporary outdoor alcohol service in an official RAGBRAI beverage garden.
“I think I speak for council that we’re all thrilled RAGBRAI is coming back,” Haila said. “We had feedback from people in 2018, and there was objections, and we’re just trying to get out ahead of that so we don’t have people coming back after an ordinance has passed.
President of Discover Ames Kevin Bourke said the organization is actively working with RAGBRAI on a concert venue and will be reaching out to downtown Ames businesses soon.