RAGBRAI 2012: Welcome to Schaller, try some popcorn

Mon, Jul 23, 2012 | by Regina Zilbermints

SCHALLER – The popcorn was going fast in Schaller Monday morning, but the city is used to feeding a lot of people.

At least, used to feeding them popcorn.

The “popcorn capital of the world,” welcomed RAGBRAI with the usual tenderloins and beer and the not-so-usual evergreen tree dotted with hanging popcorn baskets.

And right at the entrance cyclists crowded around a booth where Lisa Meusburger was handing out free bags of Jolly Time popcorn.

By 9:30 a.m., the crew behind her had popped about 100 pounds of the “food staple,” they said, and given it all away.

“They’re loving it,” Meusburger said, pausing between words as more cyclists crowded the stand. “We’re used to feeding people popcorn.”

She added, “Welcome to Schaller,” as people walked away.

Schaller had several popcorn companies , though the town of less than 800 people, has just one now. Popcorn is still a major crop in the area.

“Unbelievable,” said Paul Gross, 53, Atlantic, eating his popcorn near the stand. “I’ve been looking forward to it.”

Nearby, Nadine Ruden, 54, stood with Jon Ruden, 29, both of Hinton.

“It’s good,” she said, adding she had expected the free popcorn.

“Why didn’t you spread the word?” Jon Ruden asked.

“I was saving more for myself,” she replied.

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