(Harlan) The Harlan City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance establishing temporary regulations for vendors, traffic and public safety during this year’s overnight stop of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).
Ordinance No. 2026-02 amends Chapter 131 of the Harlan Code of Ordinances to address the influx of visitors expected when RAGBRAI arrives in Harlan on July 19 and departs July 20.
Under the ordinance, anyone selling food, merchandise or services outside of an established business location during the event must obtain a commercial booth permit from the City of Harlan. Businesses operating only from their regular storefronts are exempt.
Permit fees are set at $250 for Harlan nonprofit organizations and $500 for Harlan for-profit vendors. Vendors requiring electricity will pay an additional $75 fee, and the Harlan RAGBRAI Committee may require a refundable cleanup deposit.
The ordinance also requires vendors to locate in areas designated by the Harlan RAGBRAI Committee, comply with state and county health regulations, and provide proof of at least $1 million in liability insurance coverage.
To improve public safety, beverages sold outdoors during the event must be served in non-glass containers. The ordinance also authorizes emergency removal of unpermitted vendors and requires permit holders to clean their assigned areas by no later than 7 a.m. on July 20.
Official members of the Harlan RAGBRAI 2026 Committee will be allowed to operate golf carts and similar utility vehicles on city streets while performing event duties, provided they follow traffic laws and carry official authorization.
Violations of the ordinance may result in a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both, in addition to civil penalties under the city’s municipal infraction code.
The ordinance also authorizes law enforcement to temporarily close streets or redirect traffic as needed during the event. In addition, the city’s prohibition on openly carrying alcoholic beverages will be temporarily suspended on July 19 within festival areas, provided beverages are in non-glass containers. State laws prohibiting open containers in motor vehicles and public intoxication remain in effect.
The temporary regulations will be in effect from 5 a.m. July 18 through 10 a.m. July 20.
