With an estimated 1,000 visitors coming to West Liberty on June 12-15 for the WMT Radio Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, Muscatine County Fair manager Kelsey Meyers says the community has a unique opportunity.
Hosted in West Liberty for the first time, the event is expected to attract 450-500 classic and unique farm tractors and their owners beginning Sunday, June 12, gathering at the fairgrounds in West Liberty for three trips around eastern Iowa, all beginning from the fairgrounds.
“You’ve all heard of RAGBRAI,” Meyers told a Chamber audience at the WeLead Economic Development home in downtown West Liberty Thursday evening. “This is the farmer ride.”
She said each tractor would come with a driver and usually a “buddy,” many bringing their entire family for the four-day event. She said many would camp at the fairgrounds while others will seek lodging.
She said Tractorcade attendees will need LP, diesel and regular fuel for their trips, will be looking for places to eat, may do some shopping and may be looking for entertainment.
“I’m not sure businesses understand the impact this could have on the community,” Meyers said, noting many of the attendees will have time in the morning and time after they return from their short trip to “take in what West Liberty has to offer.”
“We’ve really got a chance here to show off our town,” said Meyers, looking for creative ideas to get visitors into retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
New Chamber Director Charles Brooke added that West Liberty needs to put its best foot forward, asking for disposable menus from restaurants, coupon offers and brochures that might even bring visitors back to the community at a later date.
There was a suggestion to create West Liberty’s own goodie bag that could be handed out to Tractorcade attendees as they register, along with WMT’s gift bag.
Brooke said he’s working with the Strand Theatre on putting together a special movie as well as the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre to create a special performance Sunday evening.
Meyers said the Tractorcade, which is hosted by various communities throughout eastern Iowa, is a unique opportunity and not only a great opportunity to show off the fairgrounds, but the community itself.
Anyone having suggestions or wishing to participate should contact the Chamber or Meyers at her fairgrounds office.