Weekend Wednesday: August 8-9

Heading out for a weekend of fun with the family?  Check out my top picks of things happening around the Corridor!

Saturday, August 8th

Children’s Tumor Foundation-Iowa NF Walk and 8.5k Run @ 8:30am.  One in three thousand people worldwide are living with neurofibromatosis (NF), a disorder that can cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. NF can cause blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and disabling pain. It affects people of all cultures, races and genders equally. There is no cure and there are no effective treatments—yet!  YOU can help change that! Join the Iowa Heroes NF Walk and Run on August 8th at 8:30 am at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. This outrageously fun day includes a Hero’s 8.5k Race and a Family Walk (both for adults and kids), as well as a Kids’ Hero Dash specifically for our smaller yet mighty superheroes. Many family-friendly activities are involved including facepainting, Superhero craft activities, and a huge silent auction. Superhero costumes are STRONGLY encouraged for all who attend, and capes will be provided for the kids. Stay after the walk and race to continue the fun with us and for catered BBQ lunch by Texas Road House!  This fun-filled day increases NF awareness, builds community and raises funds to support crucial NF research. How’s that for super power?  Unleash your inner superhero and register today!  For superb superhero support and fantastic fundraising ideas, contact Jen White at [email protected] or at 212-344-6633 x8544

Swisher Fun Days from 10am-8pm. With a parade starting at 10am and a brand new kids zone, there is bound to be something fun for every member in your family! There will be bouncy houses, games, tattoos and a photo booth.  There is also a scholastic book fair taking place.  Lots and lots more fun to be had, so be sure to check out the website!

Reel Movies for Real Needs: Shaun the Sheep from 10:30am-12:30pm.  A special showing for families and individuals with special needs.
We understand that sometimes it is difficult or uncomfortable for families with special needs children to attend movies together. Marcus Theatres Reel Movies for Reel Needs is a specially designed program to serve families with special needs such as autism or other challenges, who seldom attend movies. Reel Movies for Real Needs creates a welcoming and comfortable environment – lower sound, lights up – where families with children who need accommodations will be able to share the experience of seeing family friendly films at a theater.  A select first run movie is featured one Saturday each month at a convenient 10:30 AM showtime. Regular matinee pricing applies.

Cooking with Apples at Wilson’s Apple Orchard 10am-6pm.  Grab some fresh picked apples or pick your own, then stop by our retail market to pick up some recipes to try out. Stop by the orchard and pick up some of our first caramel apples of the season! Of course, we also have fresh baked apple turnovers, apple cider slushies, and fresh apple cider donuts! Grab some treats before taking the trailer ride out to the orchard to pick some apples.

Sunday, August 9th

Nature Play at Kent Park 1:30-3pm.  Explore your world with this free outdoor program. Active learning activities get the whole family involved in scientific exploration and observation.  Join us in an outdoor art studio!  You can create art using nature for inspiration, use things in nature to create art or do both.  The creative possibilities are endless for this Nature Play.  We hope to see you there!  Event is free but registration is required.

40th Annual St. Judes Sweetcorn Festival 12-7pm.  The St. Jude Sweet Corn Fest is one of Cedar Rapids’ best! It’s a fundraiser, festival, and carnival offering food, fun, and games for all ages. Our wide variety of food items range from pork burgers, sloppy joes, roasted potatoes, and much more including an assortment of pies and ice cream.  Hot, fresh, Iowa sweet corn only $.50 an ear. With hundreds of volunteers we shuck, scrub, and serve fourteen tons of sweet corn during the festival weekend.  Midway activities include bingo, children’s games, carnival rides and a variety of free local entertainment and performances.  Live bands will perform in the beverage tent throughout the  weekend with only a $2 admission. Must be 21 or over to attend.The Country Store has some of the best baked goods and handcrafted treasures in the whole Cedar Rapids area. The Country Store also has raffle items and a “huge” silent auction plus it is air-conditioned!!  FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION makes it a perfect summer event for the whole family.  We look forward to seeing you there. Event is taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.