Juneteenth celebrates freedom for all

Juneteenth is June 19 and will be celebrated all over the world. Cedar Rapids will celebrate the day at the African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave SE.

Juneteenth celebrates freedom for ALL slaves because it took 2,000 Union soldiers to march into Galveston on June 19 , 1965 two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln declaring that slaves were free, to force slave owners to let their slaves go free. The federal holiday was signed into law in 2021 by Former President, Joe Biden.

Key Events and Activities

  • Pre-Festival Museum Day
    • Friday, June 19, 10 am – extended hours, at the African American Museum of Iowa, 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. The museum offers extended hours and discounted $1 admission, along with a special community art project to commemorate the holiday.
  • AAMI Juneteenth Festival
    • Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 12 to 6 pm. This free outdoor festival features live music and performances, local nonprofit and business booths, food and merchandise vendors, a talent show, face painting, bounce houses, and lawn games. 
  • Milio’s Sandwiches Juneteenth Celebration
    • Saturday, June 20, 6:35 PM at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, 950 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, during the Kernels game.
    • The Cedar Rapids Kernels will play against the Beloit Sky Carp in a game where players will wear special Juneteenth jerseys that attendees can bid on.

For the latest schedule of live performers, vendor lineups, and museum exhibit details, visit the African American Museum of Iowa.

Be Prepared for Severe Weather

     Iowa is known for its crazy weather pattern. The calendar can read Spring, but Mother Nature has a mind of her own. We have seen snow as late as early May and tornadoes and other severe weather as early as March 1st. in other words, we should be prepared for anything. 

     Below are some tips from the national Weather Service so you can be prepared for severe weather:

  • GET IN - If you are outside, get inside.  If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
  • GET DOWN - Get underground if possible.  If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible.
  • COVER UP - Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer.  Use pillows, blankets, coats, or helmets, to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

     One of the biggest fears we face are tornadoes. The key to tornado survival is a good safety plan.  Your plan at home should be known by everyone in the home and practiced at least twice each year.  Children who may be at home alone should know what to do and where to go even if no adults are there.

     When the sirens go off, grab your phone and radio and head for the basement.  Don't wait to see what happens. A storm came come up quick and can be ferocious. 

Remember:

  • A watch means the atmosphere is right for a storm and you should be aware.
  • A warning means a storm in imminent and you need to seek shelter now. 
  • If you are driving, don't try to outrun the storm. Get out of the car and find shelter or lay flat in a ditch. 
  • DO NOT park under an overpass. The wind will form a suction and suck you out. 
  • Be sure to charge your phone when a watch is issued. if you have a weather radio, take it with you to your shelter.
  • Other things you should have ready in case of a tornado are a blanket, flashlight, snacks, a blanket and pillow, and anything else you might need incase there is damage and yo have to shelter in place. 

     If you are an Iowan, you know how fast the weather changes. You can feel the humidity in the air when it's going to rain, and you know when the sky turns a strange color, it's best to go inside.  Storms can be scary, but being prepared is the key to staying safe.

Upcoming Events

Wickiup Hill offers summer outdoor fun

Campfire Cooking for Kids
Mon. June 22, 10 am to Noon 
Ignite your love for outdoor cooking! Learn the basics of starting fires and experiment with simple, tasty recipes—beyond s’mores--creatively using foil, roasting sticks, and pie irons. From savory snacks to sweet campfire treats, this hands-on class is the perfect way to get creative around the fire. Parents and guardians do not need to attend this camp with their children. Ages 8-12. Cost $12.

Berry Bash: Ice Cream Hike
Tuesday, July 7, 6 pm
Wickiup Hill Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville, Iowa

Discover the sweet side of nature! Hike the trails, learn how to identify edible berries, and safely harvest seasonal favorites like juicy blackberries to bring back. Then cool off by making and sampling homemade ice cream topped with your fresh berries — the perfect ending to a summer adventure. Open to all ages and great for families to participate together. Cost $5.

Marion Celebrates 250 years
of Freedom in America

The City of Marion is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a months-long celebration featuring patriotic events, military tribute banners and community decorations.

The City is encouraging building and business owners to create patriotic window displays and storefront decorations, and residents are encouraged to take part by decorating their porches and entryways with patriotic flair now through Veterans Day. One Marion neighborhood hosts a bike parade every 4th of July.  Others line the sidewalk with flags.

“In marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, we have an extraordinary opportunity to unite as a community and reflect on the history that shaped us,” said Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. “I encourage residents, businesses and community organizations to join in this milestone celebration.”