RAGBRAI Committee urges beautification

CRESCO - The RAGBRAI® countdown has begun, and at the publication of this paper there will be just a little over 50 days left before Howard County roads and city streets from Protivin to Cresco will be flooded with an estimated 15,000-20,000 bicyclists. July 27th to be exact. 

The Hospitality Committee is putting a “shout out” to all residents and businesses to “beautify” for this special event.

“We want to put our best foot forward,” said Committee chairman Hillary Klimesh. “We are inviting residents to spruce up their yards and properties. We have one chance to make a first impression.”

“We think people realize RAGBRAI will be here and when they will be here, but there are some who aren’t aware,” added Jami Schwickerath.

The route into Cresco will be bringing riders in from Protivin on V58. Riders will then turn east on 10th Avenue Southeast; then north on South Elm. The route will be blocked off at the stoplights up to 3rd Avenue. Cyclists will then be funneled east or west to camping areas. Camping areas include the high school, Howard County fairgrounds, East Park and Kessel Park.

In addition to a request of cleaning up and beautifying, committee members would encourage businesses and homeowners alike to decorate with the paranormal/zombie theme.

“We’d love to have everyone decorate using the theme we have for this year’s RAGBRAI event,” said Klimesh.

“Pull out your Halloween stuff,” added Vicky Lichty.

The committee is also looking for bedsheets, packaging material (peanuts, bags of air, etc.), plastic bags and chicken wire for decorating purposes. Items can be dropped off at the Cresco Shopper, 116 2nd Ave SE. If you would like to donate decorating items for Pedal to the Paranormal you can call Klimesh at 641-330-8519 or email her at klimhill@gmail.com.

“We’d really like to see those fresh-cut lawns and decorations along the route,” Klimesh reminded. If you are unable to freshen up your yard and need help getting ready for the event with general yard cleaning prior to July 16, please contact Klimesh.

Think you have plenty of time to spruce up? Just remember it seemed like May was just here and now Memorial Day is over and June has begun. There’s no time like the present to get going on the “beautification” project while bringing on that hometown pride.