GOBA Planning Meeting Scheduled at UA Wayne College

This June, the City of Orrville will have a chance to “roll out” the red carpet for an anticipated 2500 bicyclists who will spend the day in the area. The University of Akron Wayne College in Orrville has been chosen as a camping spot on the weeklong Great Ohio Bicyle Adventure (GOBA) Tour, which travels through Northeastern Ohio the week of June 14-21. Cyclists will arrive in Orrville the morning of Sunday, June 15 and spend the day shopping, dining and sightseeing. GOBA's statistics show an economic impact of approximately $50 per rider in each of the towns that host the event.

Community members interested in helping organize this citywide event are invited to a planning meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 6-7 p.m. in the Wayne College Barnet-Hoover Farmhouse, located next to the YMCA at 1901 Smucker Road, Orrville.

Orrville Mayor Dave Handwerk said he feels this meeting is very important, stating, "This single event has the potential to bring over $120,000 to our local economy. It is vital that our community members are part of the planning process in order to guarantee success, especially during Orrville's 150th anniversary year."

John Lorson, who is serving as the GOBA town co-coordinator along with Rich Corfman, says volunteers will be needed to help organize campground logistics, entertainment, housing, food, transportation and an information booth.

Interested individuals or groups who cannot attend the meeting should contact John Lorson for more information at lorson@uakron.edu.
More information regarding GOBA can be found online at www.goba.com.