By Anelia K. Dimitrova & Rick Truax
It is a year of important anniversaries and it is worth reflecting on how all of their histories blend and intersect with the present moment.
America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Locally, the University of Northern Iowa, one of the most significant pillars around which Cedar Falls has prospered, celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Against the backdrop of those milestones, at the end of June, Cedar Falls marked the 50th anniversary of Sturgis Falls, the town’s annual celebration.
So much to take in, so much to think about.
And it’s all about time and place and people.
So to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we decided to spend the day documenting the people and places that make small towns like Cedar Falls a part of America’s tapestry.
It is a postcard of sorts.
In no way is this story a portrait of everyone and everything in town.
It is a capsule of the images we gathered that day, of people we knew and didn’t, and of the places we treasure and rediscovered – little vignettes of humanity and history that together, create the canvas of our community, compressed in one day.
We did our best to capture the spirit of the day, which, in Cedar Falls, was low key, yet full of energy.
In town on Independence Day, the farmers market, which was canceled the prior Saturday because of Sturgis Falls, returned to its Overman Park location. That was one of the places that drew us as it is about neighborliness, hard working farmers, enterprising craftsmen and craveable food.
We found that on July 4, 2026, some people worked at their businesses, some took advantage of the river, lakes and trails Cedar Falls has to offer, some checked out the shops downtown and some prepped their homes for family gatherings.
Here are the places and the people we met along the way.
Starting July 4th with a local baked goods is a real treat. While the staff kept the doors open, another set of helpers worked the booth at the Farmers Market. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
On the morning of July 4th, staff at plant-based Moo's Bakery greeted customers with sweet smiles. Here, they showed us their favorites. Founded by entrepreneur Maddie Palmersheim, the bakery has created a dedicated following in its store location at 2223 College Street. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Friends enjoy drinks at Moo's Bakery, after taking a class at Align Studio just down the street on College Hill. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Pettersen Plaza, on College Hill named after the late C. Hugh Pettersen, who owned a men’s clothing store and Henry M. Myrtle Art Gallery on the Hill, was quiet. The plaza is one of the important staples spurring the revival of the historic College Hill. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The plaza on College Hill is a gathering space for community events. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Some houses in Cedar Falls were decorated for July 4th. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Lowell Brown, of Browns Gardens, was busy pairing up bunches of red beats at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on Saturday, July 4. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Ross Steinbronn, owner of Country Roots Farm, turned 41 on the Fourth of July, 2026. The birthday not withstanding, he opened his booth at the Farmers Market amid party balloons. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Ross Steinbron, owner of Country Roots Farm, celebrated his birthday with his family while working at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Friends reconnected at the Farmers Market on July 4. The Victorian House Museum stands witness to the vibrant events that take place on the streets and Overman Park. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Kassidy Krapfl, and her boyfriend, Chayton Bridgeman, posed by her hand-crafted candles at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on Saturday. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
One of the four scenes painted on the Freedom Rock shows Cedar Falls veteran Taylor Morris. A Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal officer, Morris was injured in Afghanistan. A Gold Star mother is pictured in the background. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Intergenerational connections and respect for the flag is also displayed on the Freedom Rock. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Lt. Robert Hibbs, depicted on the left face of the Freedom Rock, graduated from UNI in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in history and social science. He served in Vietnam and made the ultimate sacrifice, for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Lyndon Johnson. He was 23 years old. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Depicted on this side of the Freedom Rock are the five Sullivan brothers, from Waterloo, who served together on the USS Juneau and were killed in action in 1942. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Cedar Falls marked July 4th with a variety of activities. Some worked in their businesses, others shopped downtown, still others enjoyed a day on the water, and some got ready for barbeques and fireworks with friends that evening. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
In downtown Cedar Falls, historic buildings tell footnote to the story leading up to the 250th anniversary of the country. The Oster Regent Community Theatre first opened in 1910 as the Cotton Theatre, Today it is a vibrant spot for cultural events. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Downtown Cedar Falls features a lot of sculptures, which add to the character of the community. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Dawn Wilson, owner of Cup of Joe, took a short break for a portrait at the cafe on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The coffee shop has been instrumental in reinvigorating the culture of downtown. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Some stores were open in downtown on July 4. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The owner of Vintage Iron, Julie Shimek, decorated the storefront with a July 4th theme. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
This mural was created last year in anticipation of RAGBRAI, which overnighted in Cedar Falls. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Darron Olson was working on July 4 in his new business, Frankie's Ice Cream Parlor, to get it ready as soon as possible. The building was once a train depot. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Lawn City is an event venue, recently added to downtown. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Cleanup from recent storms continued for some people on the July 4. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Big Woods Lake is one of the big draws for the community in the summer. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Looking at downtown from across the Cedar River on July 4th. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Gateway Park connects to the trails that Cedar Falls is known for. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Kevin Rose, right, and his son, Blake, left, pose with Blake's children at Big Woods Lake on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Tim and Symantha Aydt enjoy the Cedar River at Gateway Park with their two Great Pyrenees, Beauregard and Lily on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
Boaters are seen from Cottage Row Road in Cedar Falls heading northwest on the Cedar River on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Enjoying the river is a traditional way to celebrate Independence Day in Cedar Falls. (Rick Truax photo)
Kevin Rose, right, shares a moment with his son, Blake, and pup, Miley, at Big Woods Lake on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
Boaters setting out and coming in congregate on the north side of Big Woods lake on July 4. (Rick Truax photo)
Boaters head to shore at Big Woods Lake on Saturday. A break in high temperatures and humidity seen in the last week provided a respite for outdoor activities. (Rick Truax photo)
A kayaker at Big Woods Lake leaves a long wake as he puts ashore on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
A boater enjoys a tranquil moment while fishing on Big Woods Lake on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
Kevin Rose, with his pup, Miley, stroll along the north path at Big Woods Lake on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
A boater heads northwest on the Cedar River on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
Andy Shimek sets up an air-filled, Fourth-of-July-themed eagle on his property along the Cedar River on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Shimek was preparing to have guests over for a holiday celebration. (Rick Truax photo)
Farm and recreation equipment stand at the ready along Cottage Row Road on Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Rick Truax photo)
On July 4th the UNI campus was quiet, but the welcoming atmosphere was ever present. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
UNI is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The Maucker Union is a gathering place for the campus community. It is named after UNI's fifth president, James William Maucker. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The UNI Veteran's Park is dedicated to the memory of Robert J. Hibbs, Second Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army. He paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Vietnam. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The business building was first dedicated in 1991. In 2023 David W. Wilson pledged $25 million to the College of Business, the largest donation in UNI history. Now, the David W. Wilson College of Business is UNI's first named college. It fosters the business spirit of students, showcasing the entrepreneurial character that built this country. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The entrance at the intersection of College and 23rd streets anchors the corner at the top of College Hill and sends the message of the sesquicentennial. milestone celebration. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
The evening of July 4, 2026, was picture perfect. This year, America celebrates its 250th birthday, and UNI marks its 150th anniversary. (Anelia K. Dimitrova photo)
