Iowa had its share of ups and downs in 2018. Take a look back at some of the highs and lows chronicled by Homegrown Iowan during the past year:

Iowans braved the cold last winter to demonstrate in favor of common-sense gun laws.

Concerned community members organized a vigil to end violence, held Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Greene Square Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Advocates in Cedar Rapids also turned out to show their support for America’s “dreamers.”

Supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy rally on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, across from the Linn County Courthouse in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Linn County Master Gardeners held another successful Winter Gardening Fair in 2018.

Linn County Master Gardener Tina Patterson helps participants during the Kokedama hands-on workshop Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Winter Gardening Fair. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Spring brought the devastating news of the death of Feed Iowa First founder Sonia Kendrick.

Sonia Kendrick is shown with some of the squash she harvested in 2015. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Visitors saw a hilltop view of Cedar Rapids when Mount Trashmore’s scenic overlook opened for a sneak peek during EcoFest 2018.

Visitors walk at the top of Mount Trashmore on Saturday, April 21, 2018, during EcoFest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Iowa’s farmers markets were wholeheartedly welcomed after an unusually long winter.

Customers shop at Moxie & Grace Apothecary of Springville, Iowa, at the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Iowa native Maddie Poppe made an appearance at the Butler County Fairgrounds before going on to win “American Idol.”

Fans greet eventual American Idol winner Maddie Poppe at the Butler County Fairgrounds on May 15, 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Cedar Rapids marked the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 floods in June 2018.

Polehna’s Meat Market was among the casualties of the 2008 flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Summer brought top talent to Iowa during festivals in 2018, including Czech Village Blues.

The Ally Venable Band performs Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, during Czech Village Blues in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

As usual, the Iowa State Fair also drew top acts and large crowds in 2018.

Rain drenches the fairgrounds of Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Demonstrators took to the streets in September as part of an international effort to raise awareness during the RISE for Climate Action.

Participants gather on the Third Avenue Bridge in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during the RISE for Climate Action on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The long-awaited opening of the new location for the History Center was celebrated with a grand opening in October 2018.

Visitors climb the main staircase at the new site of The History Center during the grand opening. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Fall 2018 saw the final days of an iconic shoe repair shop in Marion, Iowa.

Rich Foens, owner of Smitty’s Shoe Repair, demonstrates the sole stitcher at his shop in Marion, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Residents in southeast Cedar Rapids ramped up efforts to save their neighborhood from industrial development this winter.

Train tracks run next to Prairie Park Fishery in southeast Cedar Rapids, where Cargill hopes to build a rail yard next to a residential neighborhood. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Many thanks to all of the readers and friends of Homegrown Iowan. Cheers to a healthy and happy 2019!