Fairfield RAGBRAI Vendor Meeting

Fairfield is gearing up to welcome the cyclists of RAGBRAI, and local businesses and nonprofits are invited to join the Fairfield RAGBRAI Committee for a vendor meeting on Thursday, May 9th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held at the Fairfield Public Library, located at 104 W. Adams.

The meeting will feature Rose Haukedahl from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, who will provide crucial insights into the requirements and regulations for successful vending, particularly focusing on meeting state health codes. Given recent changes in food handling protocols, Haukedahl’s expertise will prove invaluable. For instance, attendees will learn that serving slices of pie on paper plates is no longer permissible; instead, it must be served in clamshell containers.

Rachel Brown and Margie Goehring, co-chairs of the Fairfield RAGBRAI Vendor Committee, will also be present to address questions and distribute vendor applications. They emphasize the importance of offering a diverse array of food options to cater to the riders’ needs, especially considering Fairfield’s role as the lunch stop on July 26th, when the majority of cyclists will be passing through between 10 am and 1:30 pm.

Brown and Goehring expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting, stating, “This meeting will be instrumental in setting up vendors for success. It’s not just about making sales; it’s about providing an experience for the riders and ensuring they have the fuel they need to continue their journey.”

Vending at RAGBRAI is not only enjoyable but also lucrative for local businesses and nonprofits, provided they plan appropriately. As Fairfield serves as the halfway point between Ottumwa and Mount Pleasant on one of the longest and hilliest legs of the ride, the needs of the cyclists and their support teams differ from those of overnight stops. The committee will discuss strategies for offering suitable portion sizes and food types tailored to the demands of a mid-ride meal.

Businesses and nonprofits interested in vending during RAGBRAI can find the vendor application online at www.fairfieldragbrai.com.