Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Old MacDonald's Farm opened for the 2026 season on Monday in Bever Park with a free Chalk the Farm event, where visitors decorated sidewalks with chalk and met farm animals from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—donations helped support animal care.

The Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge replaces the rail bridge lost in the 2008 flood and nears completion over the Cedar River, connecting NewBo and Czech Village.

The $20 million project received funding from public funds, private donations and Alliant Energy, and it is set to finish this fall.

After Ridglan Farms surrendered its license, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa took in beagles from a Wisconsin facility, with the first dogs leaving last Friday and rescue groups preparing needed medical care and socialization (donations welcomed).

The Rotary Club of Marion-East Cedar Rapids will host its annual waffle breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, May 16 at Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center in Marion, featuring an all-you-can-eat breakfast and raffle tickets for a chance to win a bicycle, with proceeds benefiting the Shoes for Kids program.

GasBuddy data shows Iowa gas prices jumped 25 cents per gallon in the past week to an average of $3.96 statewide; the cheapest station was $3.29 + the most expensive was $4.94, highlighting the ongoing rise compared to last month and last year.

Mat Fowler, a National Guard veteran with ALS, has been accepted into a drug trial to slow his disease by clearing toxic proteins.

He still coaches at Jefferson High School while his family stands by him (a hopeful step in his treatment).

Food truck events will take place in Eastern Iowa this summer, including Food Truck Tuesdays at NewBo City Market (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 5 to Aug.

25), Food Truck Thursdays at Shuttleworth and Ingersoll (May 28 to Aug. 27), and Freedom Feastival on June 11 in Cedar Rapids.

The inaugural Cedar Rapids marathon, a Boston qualifier, will run on June 7 after organizers addressed complaints over a route with a quarry run and railroad crossings — they reduced crossings from 10 to 2 — and removed a private road, with final certification expected a week before the race.

Expressive Arts: The Art of Music

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Explore the unique characteristics of various music genres in a community setting.

Dungeons & Dragons Adult Club

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in an adventurous Dungeons & Dragons campaign tailored for adults.

Dungeons and Dragons Gathering

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into epic adventures with fellow tabletop RPG enthusiasts.

Pied Piper Concert for Young Children

9:15-9:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Delight in a lively brass instrument concert tailored for young children.

Mother's Day Buffet at 350 First

10 AM – 2 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — $45 per person — Celebrate mom with a delightful brunch buffet featuring chef-inspired dishes and treats.

Senior Create Hour: Painting for Fun

1-3 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Relax and explore painting in a friendly environment designed for older adults.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Collaborate on ideas and influence future library programs.

Purrfect Pages Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Turn old books into something purr-fectly adorable!

Hiawatha Comic Book Club

7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your favorite reads and connect with fellow comic enthusiasts.

Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with adventures tailored for teens and tweens in a supportive environment.