RAGBRAI Makes Successful Stop In Oskaloosa

Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson is seen here briefing the CERT Team on Thursday during RAGBRAI (photo by Denis Currier)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The successful overnight stop of one of the worlds top biking events took six months of planning. It’s now over, and just a few things are left yet to clean up, but most of us can now say they are ‘ragfried’. We wouldn’t have traded the experience and the new friendships for anything, and those much needed naps and days of rest are well deserved.

Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt released a statement over the weekend saying, “Many thanks to everyone in Oskaloosa for making RAGBRAI such a special event. We received countless compliments on how well organized we were, the activities at the downtown square, the logistics with the shuttles, and the welcoming culture of Oskaloosa. I’m especially thankful for the many (500+) volunteers who stepped up to make the event a success. From the mayor’s point of view the goal was to have at least 15,000 people riding out of town saying Oskaloosa is a great place. I think the number is much higher than that. On behalf of my office and the city council, thank you.”

Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson explained that from an emergency services standpoint, “Things went great.”

Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group also spent countless hours and resources preparing for the event. Unknown to many, through much of it, Chamber Director Jon Sullivan had quietly announced his departure. Sullivan will remain on the job until after Sweet Corn Serenade on August 1st, but released a statement through the groups monthly communicator stating, “Thank you for the opportunity to be the Chamber Director and the Main Street Program Director for the past eight years. I have enjoyed working with such enthusiastic people in our community. I feel we have accomplished a lot and I am sure many good things that benefit the community will come.”

Sullivian complimented the staff at the Chamber, “I have had the best staff that anyone could want to work with. They are all true professionals, that the entire city can be very proud of for all they do.”

In closing Sullivan said, “It is time for me to slow down and enjoy my family more. Again, thank you all and God bless.”

For Riders looking for pictures and other images from RAGBRAI in Oskaloosa, visit the following links-
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