(Villisca) -- RAGBRAI 44 offers several communities in KMAland a showcase opportunity.

Villisca is among the towns riders will pass through along the 75-mile leg from Shenandoah to Creston July 25th. And, residents there are excited to have the ride come through the community for the first time since 2009. Laura Top co-chair's Villisca's RAGBRAI Committee, along with Darcy Dalton. Top tells KMA News RAGBRAI offers a great chance for Villisca to put its best foot forward for visitors.

"Not a lot of people stop by because it's not on the direct route to somewhere," said Top. "Anytime you can get people to go through your town, and see what you all have available, and how great your community is, it's always an advantage to the community."

Like other communities along the route July 25th, Villisca plans to honor veterans. In fact, the city's RAGBRAI theme is "The Bull Stops Here."

"We're celebrating that the Red Bull Infantry--the 134th Infantry--was along our route," she said, "and Highway 34 is actually the Red Bull Highway, we're kind of celebrating the patriotism of that infantry, and also all those who have served. Villisca has quite a history of the men and women who have served their country, and who have lost their lives. So, we're celebrating that."

Top says Villisca residents living along the route are asked to give veterans a warm welcome.

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