Some Iowans might say that 2017 was a divisive year, but there were also moments that brought us together. Here is a look back at some of the “homegrown” highlights of the good, the bad and the beautiful:

State Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Cedar Rapids, speaks during a demonstration Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Hundreds of protesters stood through a cold and cloudy afternoon in January 2017 in downtown Cedar Rapids to voice opposition to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

The last day of the Maid-Rite in Marion, Iowa, was Jan. 31, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A popular cafe closed its doors in Marion, Iowa, in January 2017.

The liquidation sale for the Best Western Cooper’s Mill Hotel began Feb. 2, 2017, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Another business ended operations, as the Best Western Cooper’s Mill Hotel in Cedar Rapids began a liquidation sale in February 2017.

Family members take photos during the naturalization ceremony at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Iowa welcomed immigrants during a naturalization ceremony at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in February 2017.

One of my favorite events of the year, the ceremony had numerous highlights.

Mayida Tariq waves an American flag after being sworn in as a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

  March 17 brought both the annual SAPADAPASO parade in downtown Cedar Rapids, and a town hall meeting by Joni Ernst at Coe College.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade brought out crowds in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, while others gathered at a Joni Ernst town hall at Coe College. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Hundreds of supporters from across Iowa and beyond gathered Sunday, March 26, 2017, to form a human circle around the Mother Mosque of America in Cedar Rapids, during a multi-faith Rally for Muslims.

Supporters gathered at the Mother Mosque of America in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in March 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Earth Day in April marked both a March for Science and EcoFest 2017 at New Bohemia in Cedar Rapids.

Organizer Courtney Rowe leads the Cedar Rapids March for Science through NewBo City Market on Earth Day 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Houby Days in May 2017 was one of the coldest and wettest in memory, but full of memorable moments, as well.

Houby Days Parade 2017 Grand Marshal Sonya Darrow makes her way down Third Street SE before the start of the parade on Saturday, May 20, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

One of the most memorable moments for my family during Houby Days was when my niece, Saddah Hadish, was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa.

Saddah Hadish models an authentic kroj during the Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa pageant during Houby Days 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A beloved urban wetland was drained in Cedar Rapids in June 2017.

Butterflies were among the wildlife that thrived at this pond in southwest Cedar Rapids. The city is filling in the pond to create a detention basin. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Donald Trump was greeted by both crowds and protesters during a visit to Cedar Rapids in June 2017.

Hundreds of people demonstrated against Donald Trump during his visit Wednesday, June 21, 2017, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The American Sokol XXIV National Slet and Festival was held June 22-25, 2017, in Cedar Rapids.

Members of the Cedar Rapids-based Czech Heritage Foundation’s Royal Court wait as the closing ceremonies begin at Kingston Stadium on Sunday, June 25, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Spectators wave flags during the 2017 Freedom Festival Parade. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The 2017 Freedom Festival Parade was marked by perfect weather.

Drummers promoted the 2017 Tournament of Drums during the Freedom Festival Parade. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

I was a proud new mom after “hatching” this black swallowtail butterfly in July 2017.

This black swallowtail is shown shortly after emerging from its chrysalis in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Czech Village Blues in August 2017 raised money to restore the Riverside Roundhouse in Czech Village.

The Joanna Connor band performs at Czech Village Blues. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A Solar Eclipse Viewing Party brought spectators to the rooftop of the Cedar Rapids Public Library in August 2017.

Families gathered on the rooftop of the Cedar Rapids Public Library to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Market After Dark brought crowds to downtown Cedar Rapids in August 2017.

Dancers from Prestige Dance Studio make their way through downtown Cedar Rapids after their first performance at Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A longtime garden center closed its doors in Cedar Rapids in September 2017.

Mums were among the last plants for sale at Peck’s, which closed its doors at the end of September 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

After being canceled in 2016 due to near-record flooding, both CzechFest and the St. Wenceslaus Goulash Day made a return in September 2017.

A member of the Czech Heritage Foundation’s Czech Royal Court is shown during CzechFest 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Trader Joe’s opened a new store in Coralville – just the second in Iowa – in October 2017.

Trader Joe’s new store in Coralville opened Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Fans of local foods suffered a loss as the Quad Cities Food Hub closed its doors in October 2017 in Davenport, Iowa.

Customers shop at the Quad Cities Food Hub during its final day on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Davenport, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

History hit the auction block when Ushers Ferry held an auction in November 2017.

Antique furniture was among the items auctioned at Ushers Ferry Historic Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Trees were cut down and properties removed as preparations were underway to widen U.S. Highway 30 from Tama to Benton County in November 2017.

Three homes and several outbuildings have been acquired for construction of the four-lane U.S. Highway 30 in eastern Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A century-old church unveiled its restoration work in Cedar Rapids in December 2017.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, celebrated its grand reopening on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A popular eatery in downtown Cedar Rapids closed its doors in December 2017.

Owner Shawna Lane and her daughter, Alexis Lovisa, share a laugh with customers on the final day at Sub City in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Another local business closed, with the final day of New Bo Mercantile and Vintage Shop in December 2017.

Jars of spices are among the many products sold at New Bo Mercantile and Vintage Shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The shop closed its doors on Dec. 30, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)