Good morning, Waterloo.

The city received $170,313 from the Donna Bartley Reed Estate to build a new playground at Hope Martin Park located at 276 Fletcher Ave. The structure will open soon to give local children a safe place to play.

Allen Hospital and Allen College will celebrate their 100th anniversaries with the 'Fall for Allen' event this weekend at the Allen College campus in Waterloo, Iowa.

The event will run Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and feature artist Bill Close’s pumpkin mega-sculptures — 1,500 pumpkins arranged in displays along with kids’ activities featuring llamas and treats from local food trucks.

Cedar Falls Community Theatre will open 'Ripcord' on Friday at Oster Regent Theatre—103 Main St.—which follows two women competing for the prized bed in a senior living facility; additional shows are set for Saturday and Sunday with tickets from $10 to $27.

Waterloo Public Library announced its activities for the first week of October today; the schedule includes several programs available to local visitors.

Organizers said the events will run throughout the week.

Waterloo Water Works will flush water mains in the Dysart Road area from Shaulis Road to East Orange Road and from Dysart Road to Applewood Drive on Thursday – the work is set to maintain system reliability.

Cedar Falls Utilities will begin watermain repair work at the intersection of University Avenue and Tremont Street—closing lanes on University Avenue.

Federal officials warn that the government will shut down today if Congress does not agree on a budget deal, which could furlough 750,000 workers, close national parks, and delay benefits for programs like Social Security, SNAP and WIC.

Iowa lawmakers have asked to withhold their own pay + critics say the action may also affect over 15,000 local service members and delay new loans for farmers and small businesses.

Family Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night featuring Lilo & Stitch with popcorn and drinks.

Union Varsity Football Game

7-9 p.m. — Hudson High School — Admission likely applies — Cheer on the Hudson varsity football team as they take on Union in this home conference matchup.

19th Annual Pink Ribbon Run

1-5 p.m. — 310 E 4th St, Cedar Falls, IA — Donation-based entry — Participate in a community run to support local cancer awareness and research initiatives.

LEGO Lab

3:00-4:00 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Create and display your favorite book character with LEGO at the library.

Mother Goose Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — A delightful storytime for caregivers and their little ones enjoying nursery rhymes together.

Senior Wellness & Screening Series

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Take charge of your health with a wellness assessment and learn how to build lasting wellness habits.

Breastfeeding Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital — Free event — Learn essential breastfeeding techniques in this informative class led by a lactation consultant.

Vertigo Performance Art Series

7-8:30 p.m. — Waterloo Center for the Arts — Free entry — Experience innovative performances that challenge traditional definitions of art through sound, video, and the human body.

Cedar Falls Farmers Market

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Overman Park — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce and artisan goods right in the heart of Cedar Falls.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In Concert

2-5 p.m. — Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Hogwarts with the film and live symphonic score by John Williams.