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Company’s coming

Volunteers needed for RAGBRAI pass through July 27

— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo Thousands of cyclists will be cruising through Webster City on July 27, part of the RAGBRAI ride. The riders will spend the night before in Fort Dodge before hitting old Highway 20 for Webster City and eventually, Iowa Falls, the next overnight town. Webster City was an overnight host town in 2012 and was a pass through community in the 2015. The hospitality committee is looking for volunteers to help beautify the town, provide a welcoming experience and to pass out information.

Thousands of bicyclists will be making their way through Webster City this summer as part of the annual RAGBRAI cross-state tour. Organizers, led by Rich Stroner, central committee chairman, are already working on plans for the Tuesday, July 27 event to make sure the riders have a safe and enjoyable stop.

This marks the third time in the past 10 years that RAGBRAI has visited Webster City. In 2012, the community hosted the riders for an overnight stay. In 2015, the city was a pass-through town.

This year, the riders will stay overnight in Fort Dodge before heading out the next morning for Iowa Falls. Webster City is one of the communities the bicyclists will ride through on the way to their next overnight town.

The route through Webster City will bring riders into town via James Street to Grove Street and then to Second Street, due to the street construction. Food vendors, restroom stations, entertainment and other activities are planned for the day.

Helping the riders feel welcome while in Webster City is the task of the hospitality committee. The group will serve as greeters, traffic and safety guards in certain spots, as well as providers of information and directions. The committee is also responsible for making sure the community looks great and for picking up after the guests leave town.

Mark Dohms, chair of the hospitality committee, said volunteers are needed to make all of those tasks happen.

“They will be the greeters as the riders arrive in town and some will be positioned at the east side of town as the riders leave,” he said. An information booth is expected to be located at the corner of Prospect and Second streets which will also be manned by volunteers. The committee will be responsible for trash patrol on the day of the event, and for clean up after the riders leave.

Dohms said the Town and Country Garden Club and Richard Carlson have committed to sprucing up the West Twin Park Plaza, the flower pots along Second Street and the Second Street garden.

The event is a great way for clubs or groups to get involved, he said.

“We’re looking for organizations, service and church groups, school clubs or teams and individuals who might want to share a few hours with us,” he said.

To register to volunteer, contact the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit their website, www.visitwebstercityiowa.com or call 832-2564.

Dohms said that a brief orientation would be held for the various volunteer jobs.

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