Red Oak RAGBRAI committee releases theme, logo for ride

Last week’s RAGBRAI meeting at the Montgomery County Family YMCA was well attended. The theme and logo for this years ride was unveiled. ‘Putting together a great ride’ artwork will be on merchandise and promotion materials for the 2009 RAGBRAI.

With the possibility of 20,000 to 25,000 visitors expected, executive committee co-chair Dave Jennings said, “This is a great opportunity to have RAGBRAI come to Red Oak. We need the community to put their best food forward and welcome our guests and show what a great city we have.”

All committees are in place and are making the necessary plans. The one item that was stressed for the public, was in regard to housing. For people who are having riders stay at their house, it’s important that the riders go through the RAGBRAI website and fill out the applications. Some people have already been contacted by individuals who casually ask if they can stay at their home. Due to liabilities, it’s vital that the committee have the correct applications and are able to maintain and organize who will be staying where and with who. Housing forms are to be filled out by May 1.

Red Oak High School is where the main camping grounds will be, along with the county fairgrounds. The route for the incoming riders will be on old Highway 34 from Emerson across Broadway to Fourth Street, then they will head north to the fairgrounds. When the riders leave Red Oak they will travel on Oak Street to old Highway 34.

Due to safety reasons, there will be one main beer garden. This will provide better coverage by law enforcement and better abilities to transport individuals via shuttle to reduce the risk of intoxicated drivers on the road.

On April 28, RAGBRAI committees are planning on having another meeting for RAGBRAI food vendors.

Check out the website www.redoakragbrai.com for more information and applications.

Red Oak RAGBRAI Committee Chairs

Beverage Garden - Deb Lewis and Delaine Paul

Budget - Brian Mensen

Campgound - Tina Kohpay

Communication - Pat Updike

Electrical - Miles Russell

Entertainment - Paula Fastanau

Food Service - Will and Jeanice Lester

Hospitality - Jill McManis

Information Center - Darwin and Lori Johnson

Law Enforcement- Joe Sampson

Medical - Rick Askey

Non-food Vendors - Will and Jeanice Lester

Public Safety - Kevin Norris

RIDE RIGHT - Don Rogerson

Showers and Sanitation - Bill Rogers

Shuttle Service - Nadine Redd

Volunteer Recruitment - Lori Johnson, Lisa Fillmore

Website - Don Rogerson

Advisory Board - Brandon Lampkin, Allen Pohren, Bill Zenor, Bryant Amos, Brad Wright, Ted Schoonover

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Co-Chair - Hollie Oshiem

Co-Chair - David Jennings

Co-Chair - Chris Amos

Co-Chair - Dru Powers

Secretary - Jodie Smith

Treasurer - Brian Mensen