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?
@Mediator-Great questions. I will bet you never get a real answer.
Who is “we?”
Our local economy.
I think that’s where the $3million figure comes in. That’s total economic impact, not total spending. It reflect actual spending plus how the businesses spent their profits. A lot of non-profits, service clubs and churches made money too which is a great thing. Most of the riders I talked to will patronize the locals and non-profits before the for-profits.
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.
That ordeal was just plain scary. Bookmeyer was introduced to dead silence when he went on stage, not one clap when his name was uttered. A smattering of boos was all there was. Ouch. Then he screams into the mic several incoherent sentences. How that man appears in public with a straight face is beyond belief.
@Matt-I would have loved to see that. It just shows there are a lot of other people that feel the same way about him as I do.
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
Since I grew up in Mason City with my dad as Chief of Police, I feel much more positive about Law Enforcement. I still disagree, if a huge brawl would have broken out with that many people, I would want trained officers, not our Mayor or some other idiot trying to handle the situation. You must have had some negative experiences to feel this jaded. Chief Lashbrook and his force are excellent keepers of the peace. And, with all the imports that are trying to destroy our town, thank God!
Wait a minute, did you just hypothetically suggest that Eric Bookmeyer would actually get near a fight between grown men? I can barely keep my keyboard on my lap to type this, I am laughing so hard. Without Brent Trout or some other so-called tough guy around to do his dirty work, little Opey Eric would run and hide under the nearest shrub, bush, table, car, anything, to protect himself. My gramma Fran could take Eric, I’m telling you.
I’m not saying this just to be negative but the whole thing looks rather boring.
Feel free to stay home.
Well, not if you like people!!
I tend to concur with #sad but true, anymore it doesn’t matter what it is: Friday night live, Thursdays on main, RAGBRAI etc. , they all take on the air of a highly chaperoned middle school dance. They pretend to be fun, but they really aren’t. And just like at those dances, what you really want to do is French kiss that girl and feel her boobs, but your 7th grade science teacher is staring you dead on. And it’s not so much the police directly. It’s just the control of it all.
There is a reason for the chaperone. To discourage inappropriate behavior like french kissing and grabbing boobs. You don’t seem to grasp that concept. Please stay where you feel most comfortable, alone, in the dark, with your prey.
I guess the concept of a metaphor eludes you. But literally the comment applied as well. Do you see people in love anymore? Any deep passionate displays of affection? How about sitting around and discussing things in a non trite way? Any real political or cultural discussion taking place? Or is it a bunch of people riding their bikes, consuming some gyros and beer as they get chaperoned to the next beer- food area in the next town? RAGBRAI will fizzle soon.
And leave it to some anonymous ball buster to try ànd tell us all that the sex drive as found in nature is “inappropriate.” I didn’t intend my comment to be literally about humans engaging in emotional affectionate or sexual behavior, but since you tried to target me with the creepy route, I’ll take you on that front as well. Either way, my point will stand and you will lose: The events are overly controlled, lack spontaneity, and are BORING.
Perhaps I should have taken the humorous route with you, so I’ll go again…
“Mr. Alberts…is that you?”
Fine’. 🙂
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.
Better be safe than sorry. With an extra 20,000 plus people in town, it is like adding another city to our population for a day. Think of it his way, A 20,000 population town would have about 30 to 35 police officers on their department. Also, when u have that many on bicycle, and all their attendant vehicles, buses, trailers and campers, they need more help with traffic safety. It is not about thugs, it is about common sense when u have a huge crowd. Great job Law Enforcement!!
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