Geologist Dr David Peate from the University of Iowa spoke about his role as a geologist in the study of asteroids during the Cedar Amateur Astronomers (CAA) monthly public night at 7:30PM on Saturday. The Cedar Amateur Astronomer host their monthly public night at the Eastern Iowa observatory and Learning Center which is itself located at Palisade-Dows Nature Preserve. They maintain the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center which houses a 24 inch Boller and Chivens Cassegrain telescope, a 14.5 inch Cassegrain imaging telescope, a 16 inch Celestron Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, a six inch refracting telescope, two 40mm Coronado PST H-Alpha Solar telescopes, a 90mm H-Alpha Solar telescope, a 14 inch Celestron Edge HD telescope and imaging setup on an Astro-Physics mount along with several portable telescopes. The CAA and Linn County Conservation completed work on the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center (which is Iowa’s premier astronomy center) in 2008. The last in person public night will take place on November 7th at 7:30PM. Starting in December the public nights will take place online.

Danna Paulsen from Anamosa looks at some of the astrophotography on display at the Learning Center before the presentation. This was Paulsen’s first time attending the CAA’s public night.

Gordon Baustian speaks to the crowd about the Cedar Amateur Astronomers organization before Dr David Peate’s presentation. Many of the CAA’s members have been employees of Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace, and faculty from the colleges of physics and astronomy at the University of Iowa.

CAA member Steven Spangler introduces Dr David Peate during the Public night at The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center. Spangler spent 39 years working and teaching at the University of Iowa’s college of Physics and Astronomy, and is now retired.

Geologist Dr David Peate from the University of Iowa tells the crowd about some of the Isotopes found at impact craters created by meteorites that have fallen to earth. Dr Peate has worked for the University of Iowa’s school of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability for the last 23 years. Although Dr Peate’s research primarily focuses on elemental and isotopic data on volcanic rocks and minerals he did work on a study on an impact crater in Chile. He also teaches a class about impact craters to first year students at the University.

Dr Peate tells the audience about different meteorites, pre solar grains, and extinct radionuclides during his presentation at the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center on Saturday the 17th. Peate has been working as a Geologist since the 80’s, and took an interest in Geology while attending Cambridge University as an undergrad. He was a chemistry major when he started at Cambridge before realizing that in his words “I could do something related to rocks, that was more interesting”.

Dr Peate (right) shows some of the attendees fragments of meteorites. Dr Peate has won several awards including Distinguished Lecturer from the U.S. Science Support Program for his 2021 contribution to their Ocean Discovery Lecture Series, the University of Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Collegiate Teaching award in 2014, their College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Scholar award in 2009, and the University’s Fall Scholar Obermann Center for Advanced Studies award in 2007.

Angie Nassif looks through the 24 inch Boller and Chivens Cassegrain telescope after attending the presentation with her son George who has a degree in physics and is a member of the Cedar Amateur Astronomers. In collaboration with the U of I Department of Physics and Astronomy, the University of Iowa donated the 24 inch research grade Boller & Chivens telescope to the CAA in 2003. The telescope (which was built in 1965) served as the primary teaching and research telescope at the University of Iowa’s Hills Observatory before it was moved to the Eastern Iowa Observatory.

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The Coe College men’s and women’s soccer teams took on the Central College Dutch at Clark Field on Saturday October 10th. The women’s game began at 5:00PM, and the men’s game began at 7:30PM. Unfortunately it was a rough night for the Kohawks with the women losing 0-4, and the men losing 1-3. The men currently have a record of 0-3 in conference, and 5-9-1 overall. The women’s record currently sits at 0-3 in conference, and 3-10 overall. Next the Kohawks will be traveling to Indianola today to take on the Simpson College Storm. The women will be playing at 5:00PM and the men’s game will take place immediately after that at 7:30PM.

Coe College’s Sophomore, Forward, Danielle Boche (right, No 15) passes the ball during Saturday’s game at Clark Field. Boche is a Cedar Rapids native who graduated from Jefferson Highschool. Also pictured is the Kohawks number five Elly Manning.

Coe College Freshman Chloe Meiners (center, No 25) gets tripped up while going after the ball. Meiners (who is from Kennewick, Washington) has played in 13 games this season.

Coe College’s number 24, Midfielder, Indigo Torres from Omaha Nebraska dribbles the ball down the field. Torres (who is a senior) has played in 48 games over the course of her career at Coe College.

The Kohawks number 10 Brandon Kostenly attempts to take the ball from Central’s Midfielder Jack Hills. Kostenly has played in all 15 games this season and made six goals.

Coe College Freshman Jonah Lasselle from Albany Oregon stops the ball from going out of bounds. Lasselle scored the Kohawks lone goal during the game on Saturday night.

Coe College Freshman Hunter Brown from Austin Texas attempts to keep the ball inbounds during the game against Central on Saturday. Brown has played in all 15 games this season.

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The Coe College Homecoming football game took place at Clark Field in Cedar Rapids on Saturday October 3rd at 1:00PM. The home team jumped out to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first half. However the Loras Duhawks attempted to make it a game with two touchdowns in the second half before the Kohawks running back Quincy Drummer put the game away with a 63 yard rushing touchdown. The kohawks are now 1-0 in conferance and 2-2 overall. Next they will be taking on the Central College Dutch at Clark Field this Saturday October 10th at 1:00PM.

Coe College’s number 3 running back (JR) Quincy Drummer breaks a tackle while running the football. Drummer ran the ball 21 times for 165 yards and a touchdown during Saturday’s game. He also caught the ball three times for another 56 yards.

Kohawk Linebacker (SR) (No 22) Jack Clarahan from Sigourney Iowa tackles the Duhawks ball carrier. Clarahan had eight tackles during Saturday’s game at Clark Field. Also pictured are kohawk Defensive Back Henry Ryan (No 5) (left) from Mount Vernon Iowa, and Kohawk Linebacker Samuel Beecher (No 44) (second from the right) from Davenport Iowa.

Coe College 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Kristy Upah Staker (center) waves to the crowd while participating in the hall of fame induction ceremony that took place during halftime of Saturday’s game. While playing volleyball at Coe College Upah Staker (who owns both major assists records with 5090 total assists and 10.25 assists per set) helped lead the Kohawks to their first NCAA regional appearence in 2006. She also earned first team all-conference honors in both her Junior and Senior seasons. Also pictured are Coe College Hall of Fame inductees basketball player Mike Kilburg (left) and Softball & Basketball player Jamie Dalbey Schadt.

Gracie Hickey (SR) waves to the crowd after being named homecoming queen during halftime of Saturday’s game. Hickey will graduate this year with a degree in Elementary Education.

The Kohawks number seven (QB) Brady Kelly tosses the ball to Tight End Julian Martinez. Kelley completed 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Coe College’s Head Football Coach Tyler Staker speaks to his team after the homecoming win over Loras on Saturday. Staker served as an assistant coach at Coe for ten seasons before being promoted to head coach in 2015.

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The west End Diner in Marion hosted it’s final outdoor market of the year on Saturday September 26th from 8:30AM-2:00PM. West End Diner is owned by Annette and Jack Perry who started their business in 2019, and bought the Pavilion next door (where the market is held) in 2020. The Perry’s started the market (which acts as a business incubator) as a way to give back to their community. The Perry’s host five different artisans in their buildings outside of their diner from April-December as well as an outdoor market at their pavilion that features ten different artisans from June-September. Five different Artisans have gotten their start at the West end Market before moving their business to downtown Marion.

Haley Schmuecker looks at some of the clothing for sale by Heartland Supply Company owner Chloe Mccurdy. Mccurdy has three other locations including Uptown Marion, Palo, and one that is soon to open in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids.

Chris mangrich from tiffin looks at some of the items for sale at the House of Whimsy building at the West End Market. The House of Whimsy is owned by Rachel Mccurdy, based in Marion, and has been open since July.

Abigale W (left) and Michelle Lane look at some of the 3D printed figures available for sale by CPT 3D and Rising Phionex Crochet owners Stacy Hurst and Chad Fisher. This is Hurst and Fisher’s first year doing markets.

Angie Kook (left) and Haley Schmuecker look at some of the bread available for sale at the Daisy’s Loaves of Love Sour Dough Baked Goods table at the pavilion outside of West End Diner while visiting the market on Saturday September 26th. Daisy’s Loaves of Love Sour Dough Baked Goods is owned by Tabitha Jeffrey who has been in business for the last three years.

Isabelle Smith (center) serves Sean McGrath (left) and Caiti McGrath while working as a server for Annette and Jack Perry at the West End Diner on Saturday September 26th. West End Diner (which is located at 809 6th Ave in Marion) is Open from 8:00AM-2:00PM Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-2:00PM on Saturday, and 8:30AM-1:30PM on Sunday.

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The Chamber of Commerce in Marion hosted their fifth annual Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Marion on Saturday September 19th from 11:00AM-3:00PM. The event featured 19 different brewers from Marion and the surrounding area. It also featured games such as Hammerschlagen, a Wiener Sprintchzel, and a Stein Holding contest. The proceeds from Marion’s Oktoberfest celebration go to their Winter Light Program which provides the winter decorations for the city of Marion. Last years Oktoberfest raised about $7,000.

Ben Wright competes in the Wiener Sprintzell at City Square Park in Marion during the Oktoberfest celebration. The first Oktoberfest took place just outside of Munich in Germany on October 12th 1810, and was held in celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria’s marriage to Princess Saxe-Hildburghausen.

Lyle Beaver (left) and Mike Vanspeybiock (center) perform with the rest of the Lyle Beaver band during the Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday. Beaver began playing the Accordion at nine years old, and has played for the last fifty years.

Co-Owner, Operations Manager, and Executive Chef at Hip-Stir Tim Oathout makes Lobster Tail on A Stick while participating in the Oktoberfest celebration as one of the Brewers. Hip-Stir is a part of the F&F (Fun not Fancy) Restaurant Group.

Sarah Hagens pours a drink for a customer while volunteering at the Reunion Brewery tent. Hagens husband Ryan Hagens has worked as Reunion Brewery’s Sales Manager for the last four years.

Marion resident Bob Hoyt speaks with some of the other attendees of the Oktoberfest celebration. Hoyt (who was the MC of the Wiener Sprintzel) has lived in Marion for the last 70 years, and attends the Oktoberfest celebration every year.

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Friday September 11th was the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11th 2001. Local historian David Wendell held a presentation at the Marion Public Library in which he detailed the events of the day. The presentation began at 9:30AM and concluded at 10:30AM. Wendell used various models and photographs to help tell the audience about the events that led up to the attacks on September 11th 2001, all of the things that happened on the day, and the aftermath of the attacks. Wendell’s presentation also featured a speech by Navy veteran Guy Duke who was stationed in New York at the time of the attacks.

Marlene Wendell tells the rest of the audience members where she was at and what she was doing on 9/11 before the start of David Wendell’s presentation. The first tower was struck by American Airlines flight 11 at 8:46AM eastern time. The second tower was hit by United Airlines Flight 175 at 9:03AM eastern time. American Airlines Flight 77 hit the pentagon at 9:37AM eastern time, and a fourth plane (united Airlines number 93) crashed in a corn field outside of Shanksville Pennsylvania in Somerset County after the passengers attempted to take the airplane back.

Navy veteran Guy Duke (who was stationed in New York on 9/11/2001) tells the audience his story from the day, and how he came to be in possession of this American flag. Duke found the flag (which has many messages from people wishing to express their condolences to the victims and families of the victims written on it) at one of the walls that was used as a makeshift memorial site. He also pointed out a story written on the flag that had a particularly large affect on him. The story was written by a lady named Jocelyn Mathis who wrote that she woke up late and never got to work on time. She is glad to be alive, and sad for the thousands of lives lost. She also wrote that she missed her friends and co-workers.

Local historian David Wendell speaks to the audience about the events leading up to, during, and after 9/11. Wendell (who was in his apartment underneath the approach for the east west runway at O’hare International Airport on the north side of Chicago on September 11th 2001) says that he was awakened by deafening silence due to the fact that all of the planes across the United States had been grounded.

Wendell speaks to the crowd about where President George W. Bush was on 9/11 and what happened on Airforce one once the president was aboard the plane. The president was reading to a group of second graders at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota Florida when the towers at the world trade center were struck. After United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South tower of the World Trade Center The president briefly used the schools auditorium to address the nation before boarding Airforce One which took off at a rate of 8,000 feet per Minute after leaving Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (typical commercial planes climb at a rate of 1,500-3,000 feet per minute). The president was flown to Barksdale Airforce Base in Louisiana and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before landing at Andrews Air Force Base just outside of Washington DC in Maryland at 6:45PM. President Bush spent nearly nine hours aboard Airforce one (which was used as a flying command center) on 9/11.

Rita Nietling rings a bell held by David Wendell in remembrance of the 2,977 lives lost during the 9/11 terror attacks, and those that have passed away due to illneses contracted as a result of being near the crash sites. 343 New York City fire fighters, 72 law enforcement officers from nine different agencies in New York and New Jersey, and 55 members of the United States Military lost their lives along with 2,507 civilians on 9/11. According to the WTC (World Trade Center) Health Program over 9,400 people have lost their lives in the last 25 years due to illnesses they got as a result of exposure to a deadly cocktail of over 350 different hazardous agents and toxic compounds that were identified in the air, dust, and wreckage.

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The 2026 Art Fest took place outside of Newbo City Market on Sunday September 6th from 9:00AM-4:00PM. The event featured 38 different artists from 21 different cities across Iowa, and one from Spring Grove Illinois. Art Fest took place every year from 2007-2019, and was held for the first time since the COVID19 pandemic last year. All of the booths are sponsor funded so that the artists don’t have to pay anything to display their work at Art Fest. The New Bohemia Arts group sponsors the event. Anne Stamats from the New Bohemia Arts Group has organized the event since 2016.

Cedar Rapids resident Byron Turner plays the public piano outside of NewBo City Market while attending Art Fest on Sunday September 6th. Turner has been playing the piano for about 11 years.

Melissa Carlson looks at some of the jewelry available for sale by Lil Buggies Designs owner Ann Marie McNamara while attending Art Fest with her mom. McNamara was at the Cedar Rapids Farmers Market on Saturday September fifth, and will be at the Hiawatha Farmers Market on Sunday September 13th.

Iowa Ceramics Center instructor Roger Bergen (left) teaches Remi Rathje how to make a clay bowl using the Pottery Wheel. The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio is based in Cedar Rapids, and is operated by Iowa Artworks Inc.

Kris Philippe from Cedar Rapids looks at some of the paintings available for sale by Kerry Simmons. Philippe attended last years Art Fest and plans to participate in next year’s Art Fest as a vendor. Simmons (who’s business is based in Spring Grove Illinois) has been in business for twenty years.

Cedar Rapids based artist Paul Marlow (left) tells Matthew Clark about one of his pieces. Marlow (who started painting in 2011) works full time as an Art Director at the Creative Gene marketing agency.

Joseph Grabowski (left) and Kathy Dake from Indianapolis Indiana look at some of the mugs for sale by Cabin Fever Ceramics owner Alex Schmiechen. Cabin Fever Ceramics is based in Cedar Rapids, and will be at the Lincoln Highway Arts Fest on Saturday September 26th.

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Thrive hosted their third annual Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer at Bass Family Farm on Saturday August 29th from 5:00PM-9:00PM. The event was created by Brittney Stepanek and Thrive founder Jennifer Winterhof in honor of Stephen Stepanek (Brittney Stepanek’s husband). Four years ago Brittney threw a surprise birthday party for her husband right after they found out that he had a brain tumor. Brittney Stepanek told me that on that night Stephen told the guests “This is how I want to be remembered, not for the cancer, not for the treatment, not for how I may die, but for living life”. After Stephen’s passing Brittney Stepanek and Jennifer Winterhof decided to continue hosting the celebration (which features a silent auction, live music, and food provided by Peppercorn Food Company), and turned it into a fundraiser. All proceeds from this event go to local brain cancer research. Over the last two years this event has raised about $40,000 for cancer research. This year they managed to raise between $15,000 and $20,000.

Lion Bridge Brewing Company provides the beer for the Beer and Burgers Benefit for Brain Cancer every year. Brittney Stepanek has partnered with Lion Bridge Brewing Company to create their Don’t Die Beer. Don’t Die is a slogan that was created by Brittney and Stephen Stepanek’s son Sawer Stepanek when he was told to write some advice on a birthday card for his dad.

Brenda Buzynski from North Liberty takes a look at some of the items available in the silent auction while attending the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer for the first time. Buzynski bid on a modern piping basket and a massage.

Gabe Kringlen plays the electric violin while playing with the band Retro Mix during the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer at Bass Family Farm on Saturday August 29th. Kringlen has been playing the violin since he was three years old.

Bryce Engberg works the grill for Peppercorn Food Company while preparing food for the attendees of the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer on Saturday. Engberg also does live audio work on the side, and worked for Bricks Bar & Grill prior to taking the job at Peppercorn Food Company.

Assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy in the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa Whitney Zahnd speaks to the crowd about the cancer research that she has done over the course of her career. Zahnd uses health services research and social epidemiological approaches to address cancer disparities in rural communities.

Brittney Stepanek speaks to the crowd about her husbands journey with brain cancer, and her work with Thrive. Thrive’s mission with brain cancer is to not just treat-but cure; to not just survive-but Thrive.

Jenna Jandik speaks to the crowd at Bass Family Farm about her journey with brain cancer. Jandik has a grade three astrocytoma (astrocytoma is a type of brain cancer that starts in cells called astrocytes). Thankfully due to the treatment that she has received Jandik’s cancer has been stable (meaning it hasn’t spread) for the last five years. Jandik says that finding joy in the little things, and being a good mom to her little boys has also helped her in her cancer journey.

Jeanne Wampler from Cedar Rapids speaks to a friend while enjoying the music of the band Retro Mix at the Burgers and Beer Benefit for Brain Cancer on Saturday. Wampler has been in attendance at all but one of the Burgers and Beer Benefits for Brain Cancer.

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The third annual Art Mart took place at CSPS (Czech and Slovak Prudential Society) Hall on Saturday August 22nd from 10:00AM-6:00PM. The event (which was started to help local up and coming artists display their work) featured 19 vendors. The event was organized by CSPS Hall’s Digital Marketing coordinator Carmen Johnson. CSPS Hall hosts concerts, art galleries, and art auctions throughout the year. Over the years musicians such as John Fahey, Joan Baez and Odetta have performed there. They have also shown the gallery works of artists such as Yoko Ono, and Andres Serrano. Beginning at 6:00PM on Thursday the 27th CSPS Hall will be hosting the Faces of Unity art gallery by artist Tharren Keith.

Jenny Lemke from Cedar Rapids draws a flower on a rock while visiting CSPS Hall for the first time on Saturday August 22nd. CSPS began in the 1988 as an independent performance art company helmed by Mel Adringa and F John Herbert.

Kim Laughridge purchases some jewelry from Green Cat Press owner Eli Madsen while visiting CSPS Hall for the first time. Madsen has been in business for five years, and works full time for the Cedar Rapids school district.

James Bass from Iowa City tells a potential customer about one of his pastel drawings while participating in CSPS Hall’s Art Mart as a vendor on Saturday August 22nd. Bass enjoyed drawing as a young man, and even majored in art during college. However he hadn’t drawn anything in 40 years when he picked up the art again five years ago.

Randy to Wear owner Randy L. Estes (also known as Wizard) speaks to a potential customer while participating in the Art Mart as a vendor. Estes will be hosting a fashion show at Ellis House at 7:00PM on October third.

CSPS co-founder Mel Andringa (center) draws pictures on post cards during Art Mart on Saturday August 22nd. Adringa and Herbert rented the building that CSPS Hall is located in from Service Press & Litho Company owner Robert G. Prucha for $550.00 per month for 20 years before the flood of 2008 after which they bought the building and spent 6 million dollars renovating it.

Abigail De Jong from Cedar Falls speaks to some potential customers about her acrylic paintings. De Jong has been doing art since she was a kid, and started her selling her paintings under the business name “Why Not Abstract” six years ago.

Photographer Karen Goodell tells an attendee of the Art Mart about her landscape and wild life photos. Goodell grew up on a farm near Williamsburg Iowa, and has been doing photography since she first started attending Hawkeye Technical College in 1980.

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The second annual CR (Cedar Rapids) for Jesus event was held from 12:00PM - 9:00PM on the front lawn of NewBo City Market in downtown Cedar Rapids on Saturday August 15th. The event featured musical performances from the First Open Bible Church worship team, and Sunny Singh & The Elim Arrival. The event also featured several vendors, and ended with a Jesus March at 6:00PM. CR For Jesus in hosted by Under His Grace member Nick Hawkins. Under His Grace began hosting events like this three years ago in Peru Illinois. They also hosts events in Green Bay Wisconsin, and Hannibal Missouri.

Celebrate Recovery’s Lead Encourager Coach Elisha Lathrop speaks to a couple of people about the things that Celebrate Recovery does for the Cedar Rapids community. Celebrate Recovery helps people recover from various kinds of addictions including alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Tyler Moreland prepares the soundboard before the First Open Bible Church worship team’s performance during CR For Jesus on Saturday afternoon. CR For Jesus is an event held to bring Christians of different denominations together to worship Jesus.

Lead Worship Minister Brandt Kelly from the First Open Bible Church worship team sings and plays the keyboard with the rest of the band during during CR for Jesus. First Open Bible Church is located at 1911 East Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. They also have service at 8:30AM & 10:30AM on Sunday, and 6:30PM on Wednesday.

Youth For Christ Heartland Site Director Justin Lancour tells an interested person about the things that Youth For Christ does for youth in Eastern Iowa. Youth For Christ shares the gosphel with 11 - 19 year olds, and is an international organization that operates in over 100 countries around the world.

Imogen Schauer plays with bubbles at the nearby first annual third Street Block Party which also took place outside of NewBo City Market on Saturday August 15th from 8AM-9PM. The bubbles were provided by the nonprofit Newborn Co. Education.

Jay Peters leads the crowd in prayer before Sunny Singh & The Elim Arrival’s performance at Bankers trust Stage during CR For Jesus. Peters was one of three people to lead the crowd in prayer before the musical performance.

Lead singer Sunny Singh performs with his band the Elim Arrival before the march for Jesus that took place at the end of CR For Jesus. Their music can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

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The Marion Chamber of Commerce hosted the third monthly Uptown Marion Market of the year on Saturday August eighth from 8:00AM-12:00PM. The Uptown Marion Market takes place on the second Saturday of June, July, and August, and on the last Saturday of September. The Marion Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Uptown Marion Market for over 15 years, and currently hosts about 50 vendors. They also host the Uptown Getdown concert series every Thursday in August from 6:00PM-9:00PM. This week’s headliner is Matt Panek & The Electric Trio.

Scott Burkhart, who co-owns BIGS (Burkharts Iron Girddle Smash) with his friend Steve Coffin, makes Smash Burgers while participating in the Uptown Marion Market as a vendor on Saturday August eighth. Burkhart cooked professionally for 34 years before starting the business (which is based in Cedar Rapids) with Coffin.

Eggroll Lady CR owner Michelle Jones speaks to a customer during the Uptown Marion Market on Saturday August eighth. Jones partnered with the Freedom Festival organization to host an eggroll eating contest during the Freedom Festival’s Fourth of July celebration in downtown Cedar Rapids last month.

Goldfinch Tap and Eatery General Manager Trey Davis makes some eggs for a customer during the Uptown Marion Farmers Market on August eighth. Davis has worked for Goldfinch Tap and Eatery (which is owned by John Lillibridge, and located at 740 10th St, in Marion) for the last four years.

Matt Gogel plays a mix of Country and Rock music for the attendees of the Uptown Marion Market on Saturday morning. Gogel will also perform as the featured act during the City of Marion’s Pop-Up Acts in the Artway on Friday September 24th.

Dill’s Kettle Korn owner Dave Dill makes Kettle Korn during the farmers market in Marion on Saturday. Dill also participates in the Hiawatha, and Cedar Rapids farmers markets off and on.

Dixon’s Lemonade co-owner Isabel Fox squeezes some lemons while making lemonade for customers on August eighth. Fox owns the business with her husband John Loftus. The business is based in Kansas City, and named after Fox and Loftus’s dog.

Chloe’s Crochet owner Chloe Dvorak stands with some of her crochet creations at in her tent while participating in the Youth Entrepreneur Fair at the Uptown Marion Market. Kids get to set up their booths/tents at the Youth Entrepreneur Fair (which has been going on at the August Uptown Marion Market for the last five years) for free.

Kip Evans speaks to a couple of potential customers about his meat quality Berkshire pork during Saturday’s farmers market. Evans (who works full time as a truck driver) raises pasture raised hogs and started selling direct to consumer pork six years ago.

Dory Boggs (left) and Veronica Bane look at some of the jewelry for sale by Her Creations Handmade Jewelry owner Elizabeth Kreher. Kreher (who makes clay earrings, beaded bracelets, necklaces, handcrafted earrings, and jewelry dishes by hand) has been in business for seven years, and does the Cedar Rapids farmers market as well.

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Camp Tanager hosted the first annual Summer Jam on Saturday August first from 11:00AM - 1:00PM. This free event featured family-friendly activities like swimming, inflatables, face painting, giveaways, food, archery instruction, and more. Camp Tanager is currently celebrating it’s first century of addressing disruptive actions, behaviors, and emotions in children. They also teach important life skills, and prepare children and teens to make positive decisions in the future while giving parents the information needed to understand how mental health affects their child’s development and well being. The camp was known as Camp Good Health prior to 1926. At Camp Good Health they would nurse malnourished kids back to health. To this day they still host camps that help kids with Diabetes and Hemophilia.

Roger Poole makes a balloon horse while working for Living Characters owner Virginia Poole. Roger and Virginia served about 300 people on Saturday. Aside from selling balloon animals at events such as Summer Jam the people at Living Creations also teach kids how to make balloon swords, puppy dogs, and bows and arrows at schools and libraries.

Camp Tanager employee Amira Luensman shows Jadelyn Townsend how to shoot a bow and arrow. Luensman has worked for Camp Tanager for the last five years.

Paisley Campbell gets her face painted by Designs by Lori co-owner Ann Mackenzie. Mackenzie started Designs by Lori with her mom, Lori Strasburger 17 years ago.

Discover Health Chiropractic Marketing Coordinator Alex oestreich tells some potential customers about Discover Health Chiropractic and it’s parent company Max Living. Discover Health Chiropractic’s doctor Matthew Dietz has served as the chiropractor for Team USA Wrestling and adjusted athletes during both the 2012 Olympics in London, and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Cedar Rapids Public Library employee Meredith Ash hands a piece of artwork to Amelia Alvear during Camp Tanager’s first annual Summer Jam on Saturday August first. Ash has worked for the library for the last seven years, and says that her favorite thing about working for the library is being able to help other people.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinios Community Engagement Manager for Benton, Linn, Iowa, Johnson, and Cedar Counties Grace Coffman puts a bracelet on Amelia Alvear. Coffman has worked for the Girl Scouts for the last six months, and was herself a Girl Scout from ages five to twelve.

(left to right) Brothers Adler Foreman, Graham Foreman, and Cael Foreman cook hamburgers and hotdogs while volunteering to work at Summer Jam. The brother’s mom Mary Foreman was in charge of the event.

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The second annual Street Food Festival took place at Ellis Park from 12:00PM - 4:00PM on Saturday July 25th. All proceeds from this event will go to Linn Community Bank, Metro Catholic outreach, Mission of Hope Cedar Rapids, Willis Dady Services, and St John of the Cross Worker House. The event is hosted by Street Food Fighter owner Oupekha (opie) Baccam. Baccam (who was a corporate manager at Buffalo Wild Wings before going full time with his business in 2024) believes that it is a pleasure to give back to the community, and that nobody should go hungry. Baccam (who was able to donate $5,000 after last year’s Street Food Festival) learned how to cook from his parents, and while working at Egg Roll House while he was in high school.

Pita’s Mediterranean and American Cuisine employee Micah Hughes hands a customer their order. Pita’s Mediterranean and American Cuisine has a physical location in Hiawatha and has had the food truck for the last two years.

Stan Hedges From Cedar Rapids eats some Boom Nachos from Boom Boom Nacho while visiting the Street Food Festival with his wife and daughter. 15% of all proceeds from the Street Food Festival will be donated to Cedar Rapids area shelters and food pantries.

Big Daddy Cole and The Ick band members (left to right) Spencer Heckler (guitar), Cole (Big Daddy) Thorpe (vocals), and Hunter schmolze (mandolin) perform during the Street Food Festival on Saturday July 25th. This was the bands first show.

Boulevard Grill owner Al Redenbaugh makes a double decker Bacon Cheese Burger for a customer while participating in the Street Food Festival as a vendor. Redenbaugh owns the business (which opened in 2017) with his wife Lorrie Redenbaugh.

Natalie Duffy-Collins from Cedar Rapids gets her face painted by Sarah Bui. Bui is related to Oupekha (opie) Baccam, and decided to help out at the Street Food Festival by volunteering to paint faces.

Roger Croppess gets some food from Las Ortegas Pupusenia. Las Ortegas was established in 2023, is owned by the Ortega family, and is based in Cedar Rapids.

Char Boom Craft BBQ owner Kevin Green makes some Nachos for a customer while participating in the the Street Food Festival as a vendor. Green started his business six years ago to help pay for his daughters medical bills after she was diagnosed with diabetes, and was trained in how to BBQ food and run a food truck by Netflix’s BBQ Showdown season two winner Thyron Mathews.

Vocalist and guitar player Corey Dundee performs with his band Sun Pop towards the end of the Street Food Festival. The members of the band Sun Pop have been performing together for about a year, and were the third musical act of the day. Also pictured is drummer Daylan starks.

All photos will be available for purchase upon request to cobbwildphotography@gmail.com

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The weekly Hiawatha Farmers Market took place in the 10th Avenue parking lot of Guthridge Park from 10:00AM - 1:00PM on Sunday July 19th. The market has taken place from the first Sunday in May until the last Sunday in October every year for the last 26 years. Vegetables, flowers, baked goods, honey, meat, arts, and crafts are all available at the market.

Silver Creek Produce owner John Beal puts some sweetcorn in a bag for a customer while participating in the Hiawatha Farmers Market as a vendor on Sunday July 19th. Beal has been farming since he graduated high school, and started selling produce over 20 years ago.

Midwest Best Beef farm owner David Hill cooks some hamburger for a customer while his daughter Dienna Hill works the cash register during Sunday’s farmers market in Hiawatha. Hill began farming in 2010, currently owns about 70 head of cattle, processes beef twice per year, and all of the beef products that he sells comes straight from his farm.

Isaac’s Pizza owner Isaac Tominsky spreads some cheese on top of a pizza crust while making a pizza for a customer during the Hiawatha Farmers Market on Sunday. Tominsky worked for several pizza places before starting his own pizza catering business.

Judd Malcolm (left) from Cedar Rapids, and Michelle Miers from Marion look at some of the jelly for sale by Grimm’s Farm owners Sarah, and Anthony Grimm. The Grimm’s have been in business for four and a half years, and are based out of West Liberty.

Theresa Grieder from Homemade by Theresa Homegrown by Jim works the cash register during the Hiawatha Farmers market. Grieder owns the business (which was started in 2005 to help pay for her son’s high school trip to Germany) with her husband Jim Grieder.

Logan Dill works the cash register for his grandpa, Dill’s Kettle Korn owner, Dave Dill. Dave Dill has been in business for the last 16 years, and said that Sunday’s farmers market was a pretty good day.

Beth Kerr grabs some tomatoes for a customer while working for Ineichen Tomatoes during the Farmers Market on Sunday. Kerr has worked for Ineichen Tomatoes (which is owned by sisters Carrie Wall and Courtney Medina) for the last 25 years.

Just to let you all know I will be going back to putting these out on Monday as of next week.

All photos will be available for purchase upon request to cobbwildphotography@gmail.com

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The city of Marion hosted it’s second monthly outdoor movie night of the summer as part of the Moonlight Movie Series on Friday July tenth. The event was held at Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park. The night’s festivities began at 7:00PM with the movie starting at 8:00PM instead of the scheduled 8:30PM. The movie was started a half an hour early due to the potential for rain that night. DreamWorks Picture’s 2025 live action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” was the featured film. This event also featured Inflatables, face painting, a station hosted by KidStrong, popcorn provided by Friends of the Marion Parks, and a couple of food trucks.

Cora Gerber from Cedar Rapids gets her face painted by Regan’s face painting LLC owner Regan Moore before watching the movie “How to Train your Dragon” with her family at Lowe Park on Friday July Tenth. Regan Moore has been in business for over eight years.

A couple of KidStrong employees watch as KidStrong assistant general manager Jesse Pladsen (left) shows Wren Woodward (second from the right) how to do Jumping Jacks before the start of the film “How To Train Your Dragon” at Marion’s Moonlight Movie Series on Friday July tenth. KidStrong opened on November third, can be found at 5300 Foiuntains Dr in Cedar Rapids, and features science based training programs for kids walking age to 11 years old.

The Freeze owner John Humphries hands some some ice cream to a customer while attending Marion’s Moonlight Movie Series as a vendor on Friday July tenth. Humphries has owned the freeze, which has a physical location at 915 S 11th St in Marion, for eight years.

Friends of the Marion Parks volunteer Jay Moore makes popcorn for the attendees of the Moonlight Movie Series on Friday July tenth. Moore has been volunteering with the non-profit Friends of the Marion Parks for the last ten years. Friends of the Marion Parks was established in 2002 to help the Marion Parks and Recreation Department by providing volunteers, helping to promote park development, assisting with purchasing equipment, and helping to coordinate staff recognition.

A crowd gathers at Lowe Park in Marion on Friday July tenth to watch DreamWorks Picture’s 2025 live action remake of “How To Train Your Dragon”. The Moonlight Movie Series at Lowe Park in Marion takes place once a month from June until August. The next one, featuring “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”, will take place at Klopfenstein Amphitheater at 7:00PM on Friday August seventh.

Families sit on the lawn at the Lowe Park Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center and watch “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025). “How To Train Your Dragon” was directed by Dean DeBlois and stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, and Gerard Butler.

All photos will be available upon request to cobbwildphotography@gmail.com

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The Freedom Festival Celebration of Freedom took place at McGrath Amphitheatre on Saturday July 4th. The days events began with a pancake breakfast at 7:00AM at the Veterans Memorial Building, and ended with one of Iowa’s première fireworks shows at 10:00PM. The event also featured a car show, kids activities, food trucks, an eggroll eating contest, and musical performances by 42 Romeo and Gimikk. The event was free to the public, and was the end of the week long Freedom Festival Celebration which began on June 25th this year. The Freedom Festival Celebration has taken place in downtown Cedar Rapids every year for the last 43 years, and is hosted by the Freedom Festival non-profit organization.

Jacob Alff (left) and his daughter Lilly Alff look at a Super Sport Chevelle owned by Jason Klein and his son Jack Klein during the car show on second Avenue on July fourth. The Kleins enjoy working on cars together and have done four or five car shows for the last five years.

Yohan Amun (left) and his dad Michael David perform as the musical duo What if Were Doomed during the Fourth of July car show just outside of the Veterans Memorial Building. This was the duos first time performing at the Fourth of July celebration.

Mima’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream co-owner Elizabeth Mullen prepares an ice cream taco for a customer while participating as a vendor during the Fourth of July celebration. Mullen’s favorite product of theirs is their Creamsickles, however their top selling product is the Ice Cream Tacos.

Kyriee Larson gets a Poke ball painted on his face by Funny Face Designs by Lori employee Katie Dooley. Larson’s favorite Pokémon is Pikachu.

(left to right) 42 Romeo bandmembers SPC Blain Benjamin, SGT Valerie Lloyd, and SPC Holly Sprecher perform a mix of classic rock songs at McGrath Amphitheatre during the fourth of July celebration in downtown Cedar Rapids. 42 Romeo is the Iowa National Guard’s 34th army band.

Eggroll Lady employee Abby Buske prepares Jalapeno Popper and Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese eggrolls for customers during the Celebration of Freedom at McGrath Amphitheatre. Buske has worked for Eggroll Lady for the Last three years.

Ten year old Samantha Martin from Lisbon kicks a soccer ball at the dart balloon while playing the Ball Darts game provided by Spacewalk Inflatables on July fourth. This was the Martin family’s first time attending the Celebration of Freedom in Cedar rapids.

Tyson Theriot (right) participates in the Eggroll eating contest held in front of McGrath Amphitheatre during the Celebration of Freedom. This was the first year in which the Freedom Festival non-profit partnered with Eggroll Lady CR, who provided the Eggrolls, to create the Eggroll Eating Contest.

Foam Wild Co-Owner Ron Davis blasts foam at a group of kids between musical performances on Saturday July fourth. Davis owns Foam Wild, which is based in Des Moines) with his friend AJ Padilla. The two of them have been in business for about a year.

Gimikk lead Vocalist James Brinker performs a set full of classic rock music with the rest of the band. The Gimikk band members have been performing together for over twenty years.

Abi Alexander records the fireworks show while attending the Celebration of Freedom for the first time on July fourth. The fireworks show at the end of the 4th of July celebration in Cedar Rapids has been ranked as one of the best fireworks shows in Iowa.

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The Marion Farmers Market took place Saturday June 20th from 8:00AM - 11:00AM. The event featured vendors selling arts and crafts, farm fresh food, and seeds for growing your own produce. This farmers market has taken place every year for over fifty years, and has 35 vendor spaces. The farmers market is a weekly event that takes place every Saturday from May - September at Willowood Park in Marion.

Annabeth Messer looks at some of the jewelry for sale by Kels Clay owner Kelly Trier while visiting the Marion farmers market with her family on Saturday June 20th. This is Trier’s first farmers market as a business owner. Prior to retiring and starting her business Trier spent 35 years as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant.

Eva Freeman from Marion pours herself a cup of Mabel and Peach Tea from Mabel & Pearl Tea Company while visiting the Marion Farmers Market. Mabel & Pearl Tea Company is based in Marion, and has been operating for the last two years. A portion of the profits from Mabel and Pearl Tea Company goes to local animal shelters.

A Rehberg Pork employee flips a hamburger while preparing food for a customer during the Marion Farmers Market on Saturday June 20th. All beef, chicken, eggs, and pork sold by Rehberg Pork are raised organically and sold directly to the consumer. Their heard of Hampshire Hogs has the oldest genetics of any Hampshire Hogs in the country.

Leah Huff looks at some of the Amagaroomi Crochet stuffed animals from Nana’s. Nana’s is owned by Patti Stapes, and is based in Marion, and has been open for business for the last five years.

Eli Madsen speaks to a customer while selling jewelry at the Marion Farmers Market. Madsen has been in business for five years, and works full time for the Cedar Rapids school district.

Chuck Klotz takes a look at some of the seeds available for sale at the Master Gardeners table. The Master Gardeners organization is part of the Iowa State University extension on Boyson road. The Master Gardeners are at the Marion farmers market every week, and at the uptown market once per month.

Nate Fisher (left) and his fiancé Andrea Velasquez take a look at some of the hanging towels for sale at the Crochet by Phyllis tent during the Marion Farmers Market on Saturday. Crochet by Phillis is based in Marion, and owned by Phiyllis Kline who has been in business for the last 25 years.

Parcels so Precious owner Madeline Barber begins packing up some of her products at the end of the Marion farmers market. Barber started her business last month after moving to the area from Florida with her fiancé.

Mary Hajek from Cedar Rapids looks to purchase some flowers from Heather Marie Pedals and Pastries. Heather Marie Pedals and Pasties is owned by Heather Airy who has been in business for one year, and owns a flower farm by Albernet.

All photos will be available for sale upon request to cobbwildphotography@gmail.com

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