MASON CITY – The much-anticipated RAGBRAI has arrived and left town now, and most people would agree the event was a huge success for Mason City.
Thousands upon thousands visited downtown Mason City and its parks to partake in food, drink and good times. The fun lasted from the early morning Wednesday until the bike riders rose Thursday and made their way out of town.
Hardly any problems were reported. Police officers said throughout the day they had virtually no issues. Sgt. Steve Klemas said all was well for the most part and the entire day most everyone was well-behaved and just enjoying the event. Law enforcement from all around the area were on hand to help maintain order.
There were vendors, food stands, a chin-up contest, music, camping, and plenty of sunshine and near-perfect temps all day. Local churches prepared some of the best food that was served. People seemed to be streaming in from all over the North Iowa area for the event; it was not just bikers in town. Young and old came out to experience the rarity of a vibrant, packed Mason City.
The live music did not disappoint. The local bands at stage two on the plaza entertained until the early evening, and then people started making their way to the public lot next to City Hall for the main events, Warrant and former Poison front man Brett Michaels. A huge crowd engulfed the entire downtown. Beer tents were selling their drinks, food was cooking, and people set down in lawn chairs. The music lasted until just after 11:00 PM.
Thursday morning, RAGBRAI riders packed up their tents and started making their way out of town. It’s anyone’s guess when – and if – the event will return, but there was no doubt RAGBRAI was immensely successful for Mason City.
RAGBRAI next visits Waverly for the Thursday night stop. The 80’s cover band Arch Allies is the main entertainment.
It seemed to be a great event! Kudos to all who worked or volunteered! (I even managed to help out and had a great time)
So… how much money did we make? I heard someone suggest that there was going to be an extra $3Million or something.
Even if there were 20K bikers, $3M would mean they each spent $150 on Wednesday. Sleeping in tents, listening to free music? And so many of the vendors weren’t from here…
How much did we really make after the overtime and such?
I want to give a HUGE round of applause for the operations and maintenance guys!!! They did one HELL of a job. My neighbor works for the city and he was on the clock from 7am yesterday until 3:30 today.. Thats 32 hours straight folks… They are the people who made this thing happen.. Good job!!!!
I stopped by there last night for awhile and had a great time. Got to meet some interesting a good people.
All in all, thought it was very good indeed.
In the old days we called them them peace officers, meaning keeping the peace was their objective.
Now they are law enforcement officers trolling the streets looking for jay walkers to arrest.
The whole focus has changed and not for the better.
Best part bookmeyer getting booed off the stage.
Marybeth, thats the problem, most these days have no COMMON SENSE. If people are no problem, leave them alone! I have seen in the last few years, over zelous cops that think they are saving the world, RUIN, KILL, a town celebration. Things run much better without them.
150.00 for a public intox, thats what they are all about $$$$. they are nothing but revenuers for the state. End of story!
I would guess 95% of everyone hate to see a cop. They are not there to help. Sad.
It was a good time
I’m not saying this just to be negative but the whole thing looks rather boring.
Great Job Mason City! Went downtown last night and had a great time. Entertainment was great and people were having fun. Talked to a few people and they were having a good time as they came through the area!
See Mason City, its OK every once in a while to let people have some fun. Did not need the 50 cops & Sherrifs & Patrol there. People can police themselves without government thugs.
Wonderful. Just heard from someone who was cleaning up at one of the campgrounds. They found two solo cups and a bottle cap. This year’s RAGBRAIers were the best.
Great job Mason City