For the Cedar Valley's tourism industry, the road back is long and winding. The industry was one of the first to shut down and hardest hit by the pandemic.

Before the pandemic, tourism was a nearly $400 million industry in the Cedar Valley, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs. Across the state, tourism is a $10 billion industry.

From Ragbrai to Irish Fest to conferences and tournaments, just about every major event was canceled last year after the pandemic hit.

Experience Waterloo Executive Director Tavis Hall said events are starting to roll back.

"Irish fest will be happening again this year," Hall said. "We have seen these events starting to come back, but it is not going to be without hiccups. These events aren't going to be the same as they've always been."

In July, more than 10,000 riders will descend on downtown Waterloo, stopping overnight on Day 4 of Ragbrai, in between Iowa Falls on Day 3 and Anamosa on Day 5. Around 10,000 riders will come into Waterloo on Wednesday, July 28th, and leave on Thursday, July 29. City leaders expect the event to be a major boost for the local economy.

Hall said he expects the one-night stop to have a $2.6 million economic impact. For context, a typical Waterloo festival only generates around $1.5 million.