Thank you to the community for coming out in force to help with RAGBRAI in Cedar Rapids on July 26 and 27, 2012!

In all, 700 community members filled 900 shifts and volunteered 2,000 hours! The independent sector values those hours at $43,580!

Wow. Thank you!

Volunteers helped with everything from sign removal, staffing information booths to giving riders direction.

“This event was another indicator of how great this community is,” said Sue Driscoll, United Way’s volunteer manager. “We hope everyone stays involved and continues to volunteer. You can find volunteer opportunities at UnitedWayofEastCentralIowa.org/VolunteerNow.”

Source

Cedar Rapids, IA ­– On Friday, July 27, RAGBRAI riders will enjoy a special farewell breakfast in the Czech Village/New Bohemia area in Cedar Rapids prior to their 42 mile ride to Anamosa.  Breakfast on the Bridge will celebrate the rich culture of the Czech Village/New Bohemia area and will allow riders to experience the unique atmosphere and enjoy various foods and drinks before departing on the day’s ride.

Czech Village/New Bohemia is the first pass-through stop along Friday’s RAGBRAI route.  It is very special and unique for Cedar Rapids to be an overnight community and also to be considered a pass-through stop.  Beginning at 6 a.m. riders will be welcomed to the Bridge of Lions that separates Czech Village and New Bohemia, which is part of the route leading the riders out of Cedar Rapids.  The bridge will be lined with food vendors serving traditional Czech and Slovak pastries called kolaches as well as more traditional breakfast foods like breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy and muffins.

The area’s entertainment and cultural experiences will also make the morning special, such as visiting the National Czech and Slovak Museum, touring the historic Czech Slovak Prudential Society (CSPS) hall, viewing bicycle themed art, with local Art Bikes club displays or participating in free yoga classes.  There will also be live performances throughout the morning including the Iowa Accordion Club followed by Craig Erickson and Natalie Brown at the Kosek Bandstand and Roving Accordionist Ron Johnson playing throughout the area.  The African American Museum, located in the New Bohemia area, will also host a live jazz performance.

Breakfast on the Bridge is a great opportunity for the riders to leave the Czech Village/New Bohemia District with full stomachs and a favorable impression on the Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI 2012 experience.  It is also a great chance for local residents to experience what the Czech Village/New Bohemia area has to offer.  The Czech Village/New Bohemia area of Cedar Rapids offers a unique, small-town feel with a cultural twist. Making the RAGBRAI riders feel welcome is a priority, and nothing says Iowa hospitality like a warm meal.

Cedar Rapids, IA – In preparation for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa™ traveling through Cedar Rapids on July 26 and 27, the Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI® Committee is accepting applications from musicians and entertainers willing to perform during the event.

To be considered, performers are invited to complete the online application. Applications are due by Friday, April 20, with selected acts notified by Friday, May 18.

Selected acts may be invited to perform in the downtown concert location, one of the designated campgrounds or in another entertainment area to be determined. The concert stage will be located on 1^st Street SE, between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues SE, near the Alliant Energy tower. The entire concert venue will include May’s Island and the 2^nd and 3^rd Avenue bridges. The three campgrounds include Ellis Park, also known as The Orange Tribe; Cherry Hill Park, also known as The Green Tribe; and Veterans Memorial Park & Cleveland Park, jointly known as The Blue Tribe. For more information, please visit http://cedarrapidsragbrai.com/vendors/usical-performer-applications/.