SRTS will offer rides to country music festival

Those attending the country and bluegrass festival later this month can catch a ride with the Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) at its regular fee rate.

Supervisor Don Kass told the Plymouth County Supervisors Tuesday a SRTS bus will be available within Le Mars to take people to and from festival, which will be at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds.

Kass said the cost will be $3, SRTS' regular rate. He said many out-of-town visitors will consider that a "cheap cab ride."

The 33rd Annual National Old-Time Country & Bluegrass Festival & Contest runs Aug. 25-31.

Sandy Langel, SRTS director, said the bus will be available until about 10 p.m. each day from Aug. 23 when a benefit fundraiser at the Plymouth County Historical Museum is held until the end of the festival.

During the day, those wishing to catch a ride with SRTS will call its regular number, 800-881-2076.

After 6 p.m., potentional riders will call a special cell phone number, which has yet to be determined.

Kass said a volunteer is being sought to ride in the SRTS bus in the evenings to take those cell phones calls and act as a dispatcher for the driver.

In addition to providing direct routes to and from the entertainment, Langel and Kass said organizers are also considering a set route with 16 to 18 stops at places like schools and shopping centers.

"We've kind of drawn out a map," Langel said. "It's something we're just hoping we can make work."

Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff said having the SRTS bus available is going to be positive.

"With the bluegrass festival coming in, it's important to move people around," Kirchoff said. "It will be a benefit for people coming into town."