— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo by Anne Blankenship Thousands of cyclists from all over the world will trek across the state in July and will pass through Webster City on July 27. The annual RAGBRAI event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. The riders will spend the night in Fort Dodge July 26. Webster City organizers held an initial planning meeting Tuesday morning. RAGBRAI last passed through the community in 2015, pictured above.

A group of about 15 representatives of the city of Webster City, the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Rotary Club and other organizations met Tuesday morning to get plans moving for a visit from RAGBRAI this summer.

Webster City was selected to be a pass-through town on the route that begins in LeMars and ends in Clinton. Thousands of riders are expected to arrive in Webster City on Tuesday, July 27 after the cyclists spend Monday night in Fort Dodge. From Webster City, the riders will move on to Iowa Falls, stopping along the way at Williams and Alden.

Hopes are high that the pandemic will not prevent the week-long ride from happening. The ride was cancelled in 2020 due to concerns over COVID-19.

Tuesday’s meeting was the first of many for volunteers who plan for everything from food and beverages to special activities, decorations and entertainment.

“We had a productive kickoff meeting, setting up a site plan for the route and electing committee leaders,” said Lindsay Henderson, community vitality director.

Richard Stroner of the American Legion was elected as the Chairperson of the Central Committee; Mark Dohms of Webster City Rotary will be leading the Hospitality committee, and the Webster City Chamber will coordinate the food vendors. More information will be coming out in the days ahead about volunteer and vendor opportunities. Follow the City and Chamber’s Facebook pages for updates.

“We are fortunate to have a strong volunteer network in our community, many of whom have prior experience putting together a successful RAGBRAI event,” Henderson said. “We are looking forward to yet another exciting opportunity to show off our community to the RAGBRAI visitors.”

Webster City previously hosted an overnight visit by RAGBRAI riders in 2012 and was a pass-through town in 2015.