Luminaria Ceremony in Independence

Through the week, we have been collecting Luminaria from RAGBRAI visitors and participants in preparation for one of the biggest Luminaria ceremonies in Iowa history. We have collected thousands of luminaria and we are prepping them for lighting.

As the sun goes down on another hot day at RAGBRAI, we are getting excited to see the moving luminaria ceremony later on......

Good luck with the Luminaria Ceremony

For those following the blog over the past week, you will know that there will be a luminaria ceremony (biggest ever in the state of Iowa) tonight along the river. Our volunteers will have center stage in Independence to promote the fight against cancer. It is amazing the stories we have heard over the week and the commitment of those riding RAGBRAI to join us in fighting back against cancer through advocacy efforts. Tonight will be one more chance to get our message heard -- loud and clear -- that we want to make cancer a top national priority. Can't wait to see the pictures...!

Joy Ginsburg

Cherry Pie in Independence, Iowa

It's 12:46 on Thursday, which means it certainly afternoon time for some pie. The amish vendors across the way do not only have the BEST pie I've ever tasted, they are making homemade ice cream in John Deer jerry-rigged machines that puff smoke out of little metal pipes on top. Unbelieveable.

The block party here in Independence is exactly what we thought the RAGBRAI celebration would be. Small town, kids running around, everyone excited to have this great event coming through their home town.