CEDAR RAPIDS — One year ago, the long-running St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a beloved tradition in Cedar Rapids, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, then in its early days. The parade, which would have marked its 45th year in 2020, attracts thousands of spectators and participants to downtown Cedar Rapids on St. Patrick’s Day, […]
You are browsing archives for
Category: community organizations
Local holiday traditions take on differe...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Treasured holiday traditions are going virtual this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nature’s Noel at the Indian Creek Nature Center and the Old World Christmas Market at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library are offering online counterparts in lieu of their popular in-person events. Both are happening the […]
Storybook saga: Derecho-damaged library ...
By Cindy Hadish CHELSEA, Iowa — Brad Wolter was still in training for his position as the new Chelsea Public Library director when Iowa was hit by the devastating Aug. 10 derecho. Hurricane-strength winds severely damaged the early-1900s former bank building that housed both Chelsea City Hall and the library, ripping off a portion of […]
Cedar Rapids vigil honors legacy of Supr...
CEDAR RAPIDS — One day after her death, a crowd of nearly 100 people gathered to honor the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in front of the Federal Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. Ginsburg died Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, of complications from pancreatic cancer after serving since 1993 as the second woman on […]
“Marking Time” traces history of drum &
The following is an excerpt from the preface of the recently released book, “Marking Time: A History of Drum & Bugle Corps in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.” In 2015, a drum corps reunion years in the making exceeded my expectations when alumni of some of the earliest Cedar Rapids corps attended. Bill Severa, William Dale and […]
“Special place for veterans” to open in
UPDATE Nov. 11, 2020: The Foxhole “Charlie” Bar & Grill is expected to open later in November after the roof was damaged during the Aug. 10 derecho windstorm. None of the artifacts in the exhibition hall sustained damage. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The legacy of a Vietnam War veteran who was an avid collector of […]
Photos: Thousands march for justice in C...
CEDAR RAPIDS — A peaceful protest turned out as planned, as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids. “Please march with us as we peacefully protest the heartbreaking and infuriating racism, inequality, and murder experienced by George Floyd and too many others,” organizers Nicole LeGrand, Tamara Marcus and Leslie Neely posted […]
NewBo City Market ponders Rock the Block...
CEDAR RAPIDS — The Indian Creek Nature Center postponed its popular Maple Syrup Festival when the coronavirus pandemic hit Iowa, but announced Thursday, May 28, that the festival has been canceled for this year. Originally set for March 21-22, 2020, Nature Center leaders postponed the festival — one of the primary fundraisers for the nonprofit […]
Organizers cancel 2020 Freedom Festival ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Organizers of the Freedom Festival announced April 21 that the 2020 festival will be canceled, due to coronavirus concerns. “In the 37 years of our Festival, we’ve not ever had to have the heavy conversations that we have had over the last few weeks; taking into consideration the latest news of […]
Looking back: Cedar Rapids Cultural Cele...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Just before social distancing became de rigueur, the Czech Heritage Foundation was among organizations to participate in the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Community Cultural Celebration & Expo. The event, held March 7, serves as an illustrative example that understanding our differences can bring us closer together. Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart […]