Orange City was officially announced as a host city for RAGBRAI XLV during the unveiling in Des Moines Saturday. This will mark the first time the cycling event has started in Orange City.
Mike Hofman, Orange City Chamber of Commerce director, led a group from Orange City to Des Moines to hear the news in person. Attending were RAGBRAI Co-Chairs Jeff & Niccie Kliegl and John & Jo Ann Weber, City Administrator Duane Feekes, and former Orange City residents Jim and Jane Plagge.
“We are absolutely excited. This will be our first time hosting RAGBRAI and it is a phenomenal opportunity,” Hofman said.
With the list of host cities officially released, a committee will begin working with the community to prepare for the event. Plans are already in place and volunteers have been contacted to lead the 19 different committees. Co-Chairs Jeff & Niccie Kliegl and John & Jo Ann Weber have been recruiting members of the community to assist in the planning and execution processes.
“It is quite the task but, I know we are up to it. We have been putting on the Tulip Festival for 76 years and we are excited to do it again,” Hofman explained.
Orange City has a website created already for the event, www.ragbrai.orangecityiowa.com We are asking community members and those interested in more information about the event to visit the site and sign up for updates. There is a place for community people to sign up to volunteer on one of the various committee’s on the site as well.
As questions and inquiries pour in from residents and riders from across the country we ask that you visit the website, www.ragbrai.orangecityiowa.com and sign up for updates and to volunteer. The website will be updated as new information becomes available.
