Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On Saturday morning, more than 50 volunteers gathered along Indian Creek and its tributaries to pick up trash in an effort to keep a cherished local waterway clean.

The group filled dozens of trash bags and even expanded volunteer sign-ups during Creekside Pride’s cleanup event—demonstrating strong community support.

After the council voted to keep the pool closed in April, residents formed a committee and cleaned the pool so it will open tomorrow for summer.

Volunteers finished early—more improvements will be planned after the summer.

Tanager hosted Imagination Square Saturday morning at Newbo City Market, offering free interactive STEM demos, crafts and bounce houses for families and providing produce and cereal giveaways.

The event — part of Freedom Festival's new Patriotic Fest — aimed to bring local families together for a fun day.

Cedar Rapids police are investigating a domestic incident on the 400 block of St. Olaf Street SE at 7:30 p.m. Friday that left one person seriously injured who received medical treatment at the scene and was taken to a local hospital—investigators questioned one individual and no charges have been filed.

TV9 has published its 3rd annual collection of cookout recipes for the upcoming 4th of July, featuring recipes for steak kebobs, potato salad, pasta salad+ deviled eggs and brownies with easy steps for preparation.

A Fareway Cooking Segment explains that frozen foods now offer flash frozen produce such as berries and edamame—frozen avocado is highlighted for its slow browning—and the segment details simple shortcuts like steam-in-a-bag grains and stir-fry kits to save time and money during summer. This cooking feature offers easy ideas to keep meals cool and nutritious.

The Cardboard Boat Regatta returned to Robbins Lake on Saturday when teams raced in a timed out and back course with boats carrying two to eight members—each group using creative designs to stand out.

Hundreds of local fans lined the lake shore and cheered the head-to-head races—making it a lively event.

Freedom Festival Car Show

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore unique cars and motorcycles while enjoying the festive July 4th atmosphere.

Caster Volor Concert

6-10 p.m. — Kingston Yard — Free entry — Rock out with a Minneapolis-based band covering the biggest hits of the hard rock and heavy metal eras.

Blues Traveler Concert

6-8 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms at this lively summer concert.

Italian Cocktails & Light Bites Culinary Class

6-7:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticketed event — Learn to craft classic Italian cocktails and enjoy delicious bruschetta in a fun culinary class.

Friday Night Music – Airwaves

6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Enjoy classic rock hits performed by Eastern Iowa’s Premiere Cover Band, Airwaves.

Summer Sound Meditation

3-4 p.m. — Breathing Room Yoga — Ticket required — Experience a soothing sound meditation session with Black Dog Sound Healing Arts.

The Shark Is Broken

Jul 17- Aug 3, 7:30 PM — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic film Jaws with this engaging production.

Jazz in July with Confluence

7-9 p.m. — Amana Performing Arts Center — Free will donation — Experience engaging melodic jazz from talented local musicians for one night only.

Street Food Festival

12-6 p.m. — Ellis Park — 10% of sales to homeless shelters — Enjoy a day of local food trucks, music, and family fun.

Culinary Class: Spaghetti alla Chitarra

10:00-11:30 a.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticket purchase required — Learn to make handmade spaghetti using a traditional chitarra tool with a guided expert.