BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) will be coming to Callaway on Tuesday, June 7, and the local Chamber and community are gearing up for the hundreds of visitors to town. “We want to be known as the Best Host Community. If we are awarded Best Host Community, Bran will give money toward scholarships for local seniors,” said Chamber President Ken Pitkin.

Pitkin said in order to earn that designation it will take help and cooperation from everyone in the community. “We are needing volunteers for the Welcoming Committee, and kitchen help at the Community Center. Chamber members are asked to bring main dishes and desserts to the Community Center potluck. We are also looking for two or three more corn-hole boards, blunt darts, ladder golf and lawn chairs to be stationed in the mini park,” Pitkin added.

While many of the bicyclists will be camping at the football field and other areas that night, there are some who prefer indoor sleeping quarters. Therefore, the Chamber is in need of people who are willing to host a biker for the night, providing a bed and shower facilities for those who want to sleep inside. Pitkin said the bicyclists typically pay anywhere from $25 - $40 to hosts providing inside accommodations. If that is something you can help with, please email Jacob Mason at jacobmason457@ gmail.com or text him at 308-880-0928.

The community will be providing simple entertainment for the guests - games and smores in the mini park. “We have three cornhole games, and need a couple more,” said Pitkin. “We also need some ladder golf games, two blunt lawn dart games, and if you have extra lawn chairs we can put in the mini park for riders to relax that would be very helpful.”

The public is invited to come out and mix and mingle with the bikers and join them at the local eating options that evening.

If you can help with any of the needed items, or can volunteer to help with this event and to show our Callaway pride, please contact Ken Pitkin.