Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Bridal shops in Eastern Iowa are facing higher wedding dress prices as tariffs on China forced designers to add surcharges—one designer raised prices by 35%.

Coralville bridal store owner Lena Christner absorbed the extra costs for her customers but warns that continued tariffs may eventually hurt local small businesses.

On Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m.—with nearly $200k raised—the Center Point-Urbana FFA Chapter will break ground on its greenhouse behind CPU High School’s Industrial Tech building.

Community members are invited to attend—bringing their own shovels to help turn the soil—as the project supports hands-on agricultural education.

Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library wrapped up their spring book sale today — offering books at discounted prices and a $10 box for unlimited picks.

Some funds raised will go toward building a new library on the west side and another sale is planned in November.

Breakthrough T1D will host its annual walk to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes — registration details are available online.

Mercy Auxiliary Spring Bazaar

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids — Free entry — Browse unique handcrafted items and support patient care services at this vibrant spring bazaar.

Good Friday Prayer Breakfast 2025

7-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Early Bird Tickets $34 — Gather in prayer and fellowship over breakfast with keynote speaker Chris Norton.

CAR SHOW at R&W Auto Detailing

3 PM — Summit View Village — Free entry — A delightful Cars and Coffee event featuring collaborations with local community groups.

The Cher Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets available — An inspiring journey through the life and music of Cher with vibrant performances and costumes.

The Rapids

7-8 p.m. — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an improvised soap opera comedy where audience suggestions drive the hilarity.

Cooking for a Cause: Italian Night with Chef Craig

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Groundswell Cafe — $25 per person — Learn to cook a delicious Italian dinner while supporting a great cause.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6-9 p.m. — 101 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA — $ — Put on your detective hat and enjoy a thrilling interactive murder mystery dinner experience.

Cedar Rapids Merit Badge University 2025

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Mount Mercy University — Ticket sales start Jan 31st — Earn exciting merit badges with experienced instructors at this community-focused event.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Home Game 2

6:59 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Dubuque Fighting Saints in this exciting playoff match.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Home Game 3

6:59 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices may vary — Cheer on the Dubuque Fighting Saints as they take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks in this exciting playoff matchup.