Tim Peters, Shellsburg City Council Member and RAGBRAI Committee Volunteer
Shellsburg, Iowa is the final official pass-through city before the overnight celebration in Cedar Rapids on July 26, 2012. Shellsburg is preparing for the thousands of riders by creating a fun, energetic atmosphere to fuel the riders as they travel to Cedar Rapids.
Shellsburg is nearly 20 miles west of Cedar Rapids in Benton County, so RAGBRAI riders will need plenty of recuperating to arrive refreshed for the festivities in Cedar Rapids. Tim Peters, Shellsburg city council member and RAGBRAI committee volunteer, says the city of Shellsburg expects riders to arrive in town around 10:00 A.M., with a majority of riders arriving around 11:30 A.M. and staying until around 4:00 P.M.
To make the stop as comfortable as possible, Shellsburg is working to turn their town park into an area that is welcoming, efficient, and, most of all, fun. “Plans are still developing,” Tim said, “but the Shellsburg community will have numerous latrines, shaded areas to cool down, efficient meal and beverage service, a beer garden, local live music from Monkey Business, and games.”
Tim said Shellsburg is stocking up on many food and beverage favorites, such as watermelon, ice cream, popcorn, water, sports drinks, and more. But the real treat is from Roy’s Grocery, one of Shellsburg’s long-time local businesses. Roy’s Grocery will prepare a local favorite, their signature jalapeno and cheese brat burgers, which will be available in the park. “The flavor is memorable with just a little kick, but not overpowering,” Tim said. Tim said Shellsburg community members are ecstatic about RAGBRAI, and are honored their city was selected as a pass-through community. “Local businesses, non-profits, and community members are coming together to provide a warm welcome, food & beverages, accommodations, and entertainment,” said Tim. “The community members are building a team of volunteers, and non-profits are a big part of the volunteer effort taking place within the community.”
The Shellsburg RAGBRAI committee has a Facebook page for riders to interact and get more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ragbrai-Shellsburg-IA-Follow-the-Yellow-Brick-Road/154919677972011. Committee members are also available to answer questions at ragbraishellsburg@gmail.com. Riders can also check out the City of Shellsburg website, www.shellsburg.com. Contact Shellsburg to find out more about their offerings to prepare riders for the overnight festivities July 26, 2012 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.