For many of you…
The last weekend of summer is upon us.
I am sure many of you are crying, with tears of joy streaming down your face as the kids get back into some semblance of a routine. No more paid camps, no more kids causing daytime ruckus as you work from home. No more demands of staying up late (probably not, but one can wish for it).
For others though, the tears might not be “joy” perse… your first one going off to kindergarten or your youngest starting their senior year…
The start of the school year is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for the kids and Mom & Dad!
Enjoy these last few days of summer vacation!
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Have fun this week.
Adventures Ahead📅📅
Check out some below happenings in the CR area!
Have an event suggestion? Just click here and let us know what it is.
Wednesday, 8/19
Bounce Party
Ascension Park, 12-2 pm
There will be rides down the giant slide, climbing through the obstacle course, and jumping in the bouncy house. Yard games will be set up to play and music pumping through the park for extra fun!
Thursday, 8/20
Five Seasons Water Ski Show
Ellis Blvd., Ski bleachers, 6:45 pm
Food truck will be Born to Fry.
Friday, 8/21
Sarsaparilla Friday
Ushers Ferry, 12-1 pm
Step into the old-time saloon at Usher's Ferry and enjoy a classic treat! Every Friday from June through August, stop by for Sarsaparilla, old-fashioned soda pop, and cold drinks, while the village is open to explore.
Movies on the Move “Jurassic World Rebirth”
Lowe Park Playground, 7 pm
One Friday night a month, a movie, yard games, and other activities are coming to a park near you! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for seating and pack your favorite late-night snacks.
Saturday, 8/22
Marion Farmers Market
Willowood Park, 8-11 am
Attendees will find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, jewelry, woodworking, crafts and more at this neighborhood farmers market.
Customize Your Own Board Game
Downtown Library, 1-3 pm
Take inspiration from the classic board game "Snail's Pace Race" to create your own board game! Using a basic template, decorate and customize your own race-themed board and pieces. Materials will be provided while supplies last.
Sunday, 8/23
Hiawatha Farmers Market
Guthridge Park, 10 am-1 pm
Whether you’re shopping for the week or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to gather, explore, and support local.
Sundae Sundays
Big Grove Brewery, 11 am-10 pm
All kids 12 & under get a FREE scoop of ice cream - all day, every Sunday!
Monday, 8/24
Back to School week!!
Tuesday, 8/25
Story Time @ Stillwater Coffee Co.
Stillwater Coffee Co., 9:30 am
Perfect for little ones and their grown-ups, this free event features engaging books, lively songs, and joyful movement activities to get everyone giggling and grooving.
Doodlebugs - Yellowstone National Park
Marion Library, 10:30 am
When wolves disappeared from Yellowstone, the entire ecosystem was affected. Learn about how they brought back the wolves, and the park came back to life.
LEGO & KEVA Plank Club
Downtown Library, 4:30-5:30 pm
Builders are invited to construct and create with LEGO and KEVA blocks. Activities will include both challenges and free play. Geared to K-5th graders.
Grown-Up Getaway… 99 problems and a kid ain’t one.
Strikes & Slices
📍 Spare Time, 4601 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
📆 Thursdays, 9-11 pm
Looking for a fun, low-key date night that won't break the bank? Skip the expensive dinner and head over this Thursday from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM for Strikes & Slices!
For just $10.99 per person, you and your partner get:
2 Hours of unlimited bowling (shoe rental included!)
Unlimited cheese or pepperoni pizza slices
A little friendly competition, zero dinner prep, and great memories—all for under $25 a couple!
Gif by williamprice2126c on Giphy
Knee-Slappers😂🤣
Kid Tested & Approved
What do you call a pig who does karate? 🐷
A pork chop!! 🙄
Why did the picture go to jail? 🖼
Because it was framed! 😆
Knock knock…. who’s there?
Woo…. Woo who?
Don't get so excited, it's just a joke!! 🤣
🥁ba-dumm, tsssst…. 🥁
Gif by VeeFriends on Giphy
Bon appétit! It’s time to eat!
Recipe One-Pan Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Cherry tomatoes are in season and are ready to be picked! So let use ‘em!
Just an FYI though, when you make this meal, your family might confuse you for Dave Ramsey! Just sayin’…. you’ve been warned.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) or sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir together, and then bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the liquid. Reduce heat to medium, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Combine & Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, and tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens. Toss the chicken back into the skillet, mix well, and serve hot.
CRFW Pro Tip 🧑🍳 : To take the dish to the next level, if you do have a cherry tomato plant, break off a couple stem that has multiple tomatoes on it and throw it in a hot, small side pan with a little bit of olive oil, salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook until blistered (couple of minutes) and then use tongs to remove and put on the plate before serving.
Courtesy of Mom’Dish.com
Need to know Nuggets
Weather Report ⛅⛈
Wednesday, 8/19 | 80℉/59℉ | ⛅ |
Thursday, 8/20 | 82℉/64℉ | ⛅ |
Friday 8/21 | 82℉/63℉ | ⛈ 🌦 |
Saturday, 8/22 | 79℉/58℉ | ⛅ |
Sunday, 8/23 | 78℉/59℉ | ⛅ |
Monday, 8/24 | 77℉/62℉ | 🌦 |
Tuesday, 8/25 | 81℉/63℉ | ⛅ |
Finally, a break in the extreme heat and humidity! Oh, and significantly less rain!
Weather courtesy of KCRG.com
News Worthy Nuggets
Some interesting local stories from the past week:
Cedar Rapids moves to acquire one of last holdout properties blocking flood protection plan - from KCRG
Blank Park Zoo welcomes newborn giraffe calf - from Iowa News Now (CBS 2)
Cedar Valley Humane Society rebrands as Allsop Family Humane Society - from Corridor Business Journal
That’s it for this week.
We wish the kiddos (and the parents!) good luck for this upcoming school year!
Now, get out and go enjoy the last few dogdays of summer!