It has been just a little over a month since Clarion was announced as an overnight stop for the inaugural Iowa’s Ride bike ride. The ride will take place July 12-18 of this year. The route will take folks through Clarion on Wednesday, July 15. Since the announcement was made, plans have been coming together for the big event.
Several committees have been formed to help organize Clarion stop, including housing, food, entertainment, and marketing. Craig Grebner, manager at Brothers Market in Clarion who is leading up the local effort, explained that riders and support staff could start rolling into town relatively early, perhaps before noon on July 15. He notes, “From the previous night’s stop in Eldora, the route into Clarion is the easiest, flattest and shortest on the entire route.” Grebner adds this may mean extra day riders, in addition to the registered riders. The event organizers have noted that they will be capping registration at 5,000.
Riders will come into town from the south on County K, will take a right by the hospital, and roll through Clarion on Main Street. As noted previously, the main camping area will be near the high school. However, Grebner says the main focus of the event will take place downtown with a shuttle likely being offered to transport people throughout town. Main Street from Fuel to Highway 3 will be closed off for the event.
On Main Street and throughout town, a variety of entertainment is in the works. Fuel will have two bands throughout the day near their restaurant. Timbukbrü is planning for a band as well. Grebner also teased some other special entertainment from a couple of other downtown businesses that is still in the planning stages. While Gazebo Park may be used for extra camping, there are no events planned there at this time.
The downtown area will also be where food vendors will be set up. Grebner says the planning committee is trying to keep the food vendors as local as possible but are still trying to offer an interesting variety of options for visitors. He notes that there is still room for additional licensed vendors, and parties can contact him at Brothers Market. He also said if anyone is interested in heading up the food committee, they can talk to him about that as well.
Another fun element of the event is the theme the planners chose. Clarion will be celebrating a “Christmas in July” theme. Grebner emphasized this is a fun, festive, cost-saving idea that everyone can participate in. Clarionites are encouraged to get in on the fun and decorate their yard with their Christmas decorations.
Grebner said there are other ways that people can participate as well. Residents are invited to make signs to welcome riders to town. People can also put up signs to offer their yards for camping or space in their homes for riders to stay overnight for a cost.
Those planning the event are excited about the opportunities Iowa’s Ride will bring to Clarion. Grebner hopes that it will be a fun community occasion for locals and visitors alike. He adds that while it will be a full day events, the planners also don’t intend for it to be a raucous all-night party either. “It will be low key but also a lot of fun,” he asserts.
Any questions about the event can be directed to Grebner at Brother’s Market.
