The downtown square in Jefferson is colorfully decorated from yarn. It can be found on bicycle wheel rims, on the light poles and “yarn bombed” bikes in storefront windows.
It is a fundraiser event for Jefferson Matters: Main Street and the Tower View Team’s Pedaler’s Palooza in honor of the inaugural Pedaler’s Jamboree next month. Program Director Peg Raney says a silent auction is going on now for all of the decorated bikes in the businesses around the square. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the Tower View Team’s next project, which is creating an Alphabet Alley on the west alleyway on the square.
The last day of the auction is September 5th, which is the same day as the Pedaler’s Jamboree. It takes place along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, with an overnight stop in Jefferson. Raney points out that Jefferson Matters would like to take advantage of the opportunity to expose participants to the downtown area.
“If 1,500 to 2,000 bikers are involved in this (Pedaler’s Jamboree) and then just see what is available with this yarn bombed bikes and hospitality that we have here in Jefferson, they’ll be coming back. That’s the goal.”
To be a volunteer with Jefferson Matters, contact Raney at 386-3585.