Good morning, Waterloo.

The 50th annual Sturgis Falls celebration begins today and runs through Sunday with a parade, 5K/10K run, car show, arts and crafts fair, and live music at several local venues (check the schedule for full details).

Black Hawk County launched a new Thrive Iowa program to help residents in crisis become self-sufficient by connecting them with local community organizations — family navigators assess 13 key social factors to create tailored action plans.

Waterloo celebrates on July 3 with its annual Red, White & Loo fireworks at Riverloop Amphitheater, while Cedar Falls and UNI host the Fireworks Over the Dome celebration on July 2 with live music, food and commemorative activities free to attend.

Paha Cider Open House

12-6 p.m. — Paha Cider Co — Cider and local beers available — Enjoy tasty pizza from Timbertop while exploring the cidery during the Choose Iowa Farm Crawl.

David Zollo & The Body Electric at Sturgis Falls Festival

4 p.m. — Overman Park — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of live music at the Sturgis Falls Festival with David Zollo & The Body Electric.

Shop the Basement!

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Friends Used Book Store Prices — Explore a treasure trove of books and support your local library's programming.

Bilingual Preschool Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Experience storytelling in English and ASL for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Preschool Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Engage young minds with delightful stories and readings in a friendly atmosphere.

Concerts in Kohlmann Park

6:30 PM — Kohlmann Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music by the Cedar River with family and friends during the summer concert series.

4th of July Weekend Celebration

— July 3 - 5 — Waterloo / Lost Island KOA Resort — Reservation required — Celebrate Independence Day with outdoor fun and recreational activities at the KOA Resort.

Waterloo Fourth of July Fireworks

10:00 PM — RiverLoop Amphitheatre & Expo Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and a spectacular fireworks display over the Cedar River.

Mother Goose Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — A delightful storytelling session for newborns to age two and their caregivers.

Manga in the Gardens

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens — Free with library card — Unleash your creativity with a Manga drawing session in a serene garden setting.