When RAGBRAI passed through Ottumwa two months ago, local vendors, restaurants, and businesses saw a significant boost in revenue.
The influx of thousands of cyclists and visitors created a surge in demand for food, drinks and services, with eateries and alcohol vendors benefiting particularly from the increased foot traffic.
"So they're looking at about $400,000 just for vendors and local businesses," saidLaura Carrell, Meet Ottumwa executive director. "Food service, drinking establishments, any place that served alcohol that day, looking at about another $200,000 that came into the community. We also estimated that those 18,000 people, even just in general merchandise from gas to pick it up swag while they're in Ottumwa, probably another $100,000. So looking at a total of about $700,000 of economic impact."
Carrell highlights how serving as an overnight host city for RAGBRAI significantly increased the revenue generated from the event.