SHENANDOAH – Final preparations were underway Friday and Saturday as roughly 20,000 people converge into Shenandoah for the annual RAGBRAI. The process began more than a year ago when an application was sent to RAGBRAI officials to serve as an overnight location for the 2016 event.
Shenandoah was selected as the first overnight stop during a RAGBRAI launch party in Des Moines on Jan. 23. On March 23, a Shenandoah RAGBRAI kick-off party was held at the American Legion Country Club where longtime RAGBRAI rider Terry Castle helped announce the theme of “Flower Power” along with the logo.
Countless hours have been spent making sure that riders and support staff, as well as community members, have a fun, safe and memorable RAGBRAI. On Friday, Shenandoah City Administrator Jim Davey said community members should have fun and enjoy the experience.
“There will be some streets that are blocked off, where you’ll have to find alternative routes to the grocery store or work, but it’s temporary. I ask that people be patient and not allow the little things to bother you.” Davey said. “This is a time to showcase Shenandoah, so come on downtown, be friendly, and take part in the festivities. There will be a lot of people here that want to show their appreciation for our hospitality and talk to those who live here.”
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