Gearing up for RAGBRAI in Ogden

Thu July 10 2008
Posted Jul 10, 2008
7,370

Committee would still like to sign on more volunteers "I think it's all going to fall together at the end," says Ogden City Administrator Kimberly Claypool of this month's RAGBRAI event here. "There's been a lot of planning in a short time. "We'll be setting up three to four days prior to the bicyclists coming and will need a lot of extra help then." RAGBRAI, Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, will be stopping in Ogden Tuesday, July 22 for lunch. The earliest riders are expected around 6 a.m. "Most of them will probably just be passing through," says Claypool. "The bulk of them will hit town between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. All the vendors will shut down at 3:30 p.m. as established by RAGBRAI." Although the group coming to town could be up to 30,000, the city estimates around 20,000 guests. There are currently 8,000 registered bicyclists. Another 10,000 are expected to join the ride for the day, then you have all the support groups involved. "Tuesday is one of the biggest days of the ride. Because we are located in Central Iowa and near Des Moines, they anticipate picking up a lot of extra riders," explains Claypool. The committees have been busy planning and organizing activities for the day. Food vendors Eighteen vendors will be assigned locations at the City Park. All have applied for temporary food permits from the state. Clark's Food Mart and Hometown Food and Fuel will be serving from their own property. Four non-food vendors (three clothing and one temporary tatoos) will also be at the park. The park is being rewired to accommodate all the vendors. "Dan (Wilson) has been a huge help with this," says Claypool. Public safety and sanitation "This is probably our strongest committee," comments Claypool. "All of the city staff is involved with it." Although Ogden's three police officers will be working that day, they are calling on several volunteers to help with traffic control. RAGBRAI suggests keeping the support crew away from riders. The support crew will be coming in from the south and will be directed to the following areas: Howe Elementary and Ogden High School, St. John's and Community United Methodist Churches and the Leonard Good Community Center, all south of Walnut, whereas bicyclists will be congregating to the north. Hospitality and decorations Blue and white balloon arches will greet riders as they enter Ogden on P70 and depart on old Hwy. 30 east of town. The route will be flanked with American flags. Plans for main street decorations include flower pots in the light pole trash containers and decorated bicycles in front and even on top of some of the buildings. Some sidewalks and streets will be painted with Bulldog footprints. Guests can learn about Ogden's history from posters and signs placed throughout the park and main street. Entertainment Although several entertainers have committed for the day, the schedule is not yet set. Currently registered are: Eddie Simpson (Elvis Impersonator); Mike McAvee (comedy act); Danny Grause (country music performer); Mike Duff (rock band); Bryce Larsen (band); Dave Larsen (senior vocal performance); Tina Hopkins (karaoke); Mickie's Gotta Dance, OHS drill team and cheerleaders. Performances will take place on one of two stages - band shell at the city park, and the Fun Days stage on main street. Games such as water balloon launching, ring toss, bean bag and Hillbilly Golf will also be available. Plans are in the works for a tractor show or even an antique car show. SEEKING MORE VOLUNTEERS Below you will find a list of volunteer needs as well as materials and items for Tuesday, July 22 when RAGBRAI passes through Ogden. You are strongly encouraged to consider helping in this town-wide event. Look over the list then contact Kimberly Claypool at 275-2917 to offer your services. Volunteer needs prior to July 22

Decorate boxes
Make signs
Paint photo cutouts
Decorate spiral notebooks to use as guest books
Distribute flyers in Jefferson (evening of July 21)
Decorate and set up bicycles on main street rooftops (need to be secured with sand bags and ropes, evening of July 21)

Volunteer needs for July 22 Early morning:

Put up signs.
Help make balloon arches.
Line route with balloons.
Place flags in yards along route.

7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Help direct traffic and riders. People at every intersection. (30 volunteers needed.)

7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Take ice to vendors.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Operate information booth.
Empty garbage bins.

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Take bottles of water and food to the volunteers, the Mayor and entertainers. * Greet riders as they come to town. Set up along P70 and Elm Street. (Good job for sports teams or those who just want to sit and watch riders.)

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thank riders as they leave. (Set up along old Hwy. 30 just east of Hometown Food and Fuel.)

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Refill Kybos with toilet paper.

All day

Manage games and activities such as washer toss, Hillbilly Golf, water balloon game and volleyball.
Sit on main street (or walk around) and tell jokes to riders.
Perform skits on main street.
Help vendors serve riders
Stand at map on main street. Keep track of Sharpies. Make sure it doesn't become a message board.

Evening

Help take down signs.

Materials/items needed

Pop-up shade tents for vendors, riders, information booth and Kybos
Poster board and/or plywood to make signs
Paint
Lathe and/or stakes to hold signs
Volleyball net and balls to set up on north side of Middle School
Any other activities or games such as ring toss, bean bag toss, etc.
Financial sponsorships for entertainment (two local bands and one outside musician)
Tractors and antique cars