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For the 40th year, Webster City invites the Doodle Bug Club of America to take their scooters out of garages, storage units and backyards to travel to the town where it all began.
Webster City.
Gerald Huisman, President of the club, which has members from all over the country said they expect between 75 and 100 to attend the event which lasts through Sunday. Attendees this year will be coming from as far away as Alaska, California, New Hampshire, New York and Florida.
In a presentation to the Webster City Women's Club Monday, Huisman said they have individual members who live in Europe.
For those who arrive during the week, it's all about the rides.
"Wednesday is opening day," said Huisman, "We have a tentative itinerary, but because of the weather, we are going to have to ride when there is an opportunity. We should be riding on the river trail, when there is a break in the weather."
If there is a break in the weather, they will be riding their scooters all day, he said.
Current forecasts make for a bleak week, but those here for the reunion will be at the fairgrounds if the weather doesn't cooperate. The schedule will have to adjust to safe travels on these historic scooters originally built in Webster City
"On Thursday we will ride in the morning," he said hopefully, "But in the afternoon we will ride to the airport, and enjoy our time there then come back."
The Ed Prince building at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet members of the club, and learn more about the Doodle Bug history and activities of the organization.
"Come out and see what the Doodle Buggers are enjoying," he said, "We have tee shirts and memorabilia to buy."
If the Doodle Bug owners are not riding, that is where they will be, with a few exceptions.
"Friday, we go to the Depot museum at 9 a.m.," he said. "Weather pending, at 11 a.m. we ride our Bugs to Kamrar."
The ride to Kamrar is a new activity. They will head out east on Second Street on old Highway 20 for the first part of the trip.
"We've gotten permission from the sheriff," he said, "We'll be riding to Stonega corner then south into Kamrar, and will meet at the Kamrar Lions building and have Pickles Pizza," he said. "But if the weather is bad, we will drive our cars."
"Saturday afternoon, at 2 p.m. we have our annual business meeting, and at 5:30 p.m. we have a members only banquet at the Ed Prince building, catered by Leon's."
As of Tuesday there were 27 members who have already arrived in Webster City, helping get settled and setting things up.
With many of the Doodle Bugs only reaching a top speed of around 30 mph hour, those driving around Webster City over the next few days, need to be alert to the red scooters, as they zip through town.
But they are the best type of Bugs to be found in Webster City, and always welcome!