Iowa is looking forward to a hugely successful comeback for RAGBRAI after the pandemic. But there is a group of people from a community of only about 315 that has spent months working to get the attention of RAGBRAI organizers. Scott Matter, formerly of Lytton and now living in Des Moines, says he contacted Darsi Huddleson, former head of Lytton Hometown Pride, and they began a campaign to get the small town with a big community spirit on the 2021 RAGBRAI route.
The two became co-chairs of the Lytton RAGBRAI committee and explain why pie played a pivotal role in this success and in their theme, “A Slice of Heaven.”
More than 35 alumni groups have already donated in support of the host stop expenses. Not only are those expenses already fully covered, they were also able to make an early donation of about $8,300 to that new Lytton fire station. The community has planned very highly creative activities as the first stop out of Sac City on July 26. Including what Huddleson calls “not your typical petting zoo.”
The first challenge will be at a hay rack. Matter says there is a football player from the University of Iowa who holds a bale tossing record at 13’ 6”. The goal is to beat that—maybe by a competitor from Iowa State. They also applied for and have been approved to hold a Guiness World Record attempt.
They are working to have one goat for every five people and are getting help from the Iowa Yoga Farm. The goat yoga world record attempt will be at 8 a.m., but they are asking that participants get there early, about 7:15 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. Matter says the little town of Lytton will also have more food vendors lined up than any other town he has contacted.
Although about 16 percent of the town’s population has already volunteered, more are still needed. Huddleson says on Wednesday nights everyone is welcome to join them at 204 Main St. for help in completing a list of various tasks. As Matter says, they can use all they help they can get to put their best foot forward. You never know what seeds will be planted resulting in future growth when you have an estimated 20,000 people riding through your town. Those wanting to help out can look for opportunities on their Facebook page, a link to which is included below, or call Huddleson at 712-210-5510.
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Lytton RAGBRAI Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LyttonRAGBRAI
