ALGONA, Iowa - ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed at Education) of Iowa plans to hold its three-day annual motorcycle rally, Freedom Fest, in north central Iowa.
Organizers say they expect at least 10,000 people to attend the rally scheduled for Thursday through Saturday (July 2-4). It's being made possible during the COVID-19 pandemic after Governor Kim Reynolds' decision to lift a previous ban on large events.
Algona officials are worried the event could increase the number of coronavirus cases in the county, which up to now has seen few cases. Kossuth County had 32 COVID-19 cases as of Monday morning, with no reported deaths.
Organizers say they've been in close contact with the county health department, and have the support of the area to hold the rally. Attendees will be required to answer a COVID check list and sign a release when entering.
The event's website says the rally was created and called the Freedom Rally to promote freedom of choice, noting that social distancing is not required by law. Large gatherings at restaurants and bars in some states are being blamed for spikes in COVID-19 cases.