WATERLOO/CEDAR FALLS - Main Street Waterloo will usher in a long-awaited summer with a paint-covered twist this year, while Cedar Falls will see the pedaling of RAGBRAI bikes for the first time since 1998.

Richard Thomas' downtown banner murals titled "We Are All One people" will be unveiled at the Friday'loo kick-off event May 18.

"It tells a story about different folks from different places in different times who found themselves in Waterloo," said Terry Poe Buschkamp, executive director of Main Street Waterloo.

One such person is Thomas himself, who was a former New Orleans artist-in-residence before relocating to downtown Waterloo in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Old favorites such as Friday'loo and BBQ'Loo & Blues, Too will still be in full force, and the weekly farmers' markets will feature guest chefs. "That's always a favorite," Buschkamp said.

Cedar Falls Community Main Street has added an ice cream social to its Main Street Sale and will host more Movies Under the Moon than in years past.

"They've become very popular. We have great crowds that come down," said Events and Promotions Coordinator Jan Andersen.

Anderson said they are also looking forward to hosting RAGBRAI activities at Overman Park, including local bands and activities for children. Another new event will be the "Live at 9" series of bands at Sturgis Park.

"We're very pleased to welcome this new event to downtown. We're always looking for ways to get people here and this should be a great incentive," Andersen said.

Summer schedules

Main Street Waterloo

www.mainstreetwaterloo.org

May 18

"We Are All One People" mural unveiling, Lafayette Street parking ramp, 4:30 p.m.

Friday'loo

Lincoln Park, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

A weekly celebration of music, friends and fun in downtown Waterloo.

May 18 - Levee Town

May 25 - The Do's & Don'ts

June 8 - Fusion

June 22 - The Wicked Andersons

July 6 - Standing Hampton

July 27 - Deja Vu

Aug. 10 - Little Eva & the Works

Aug. 24 - WildCard

Sept. 7 - Soul Fusion

May 26

Fourth Street Cruise, downtown, noon to 4 p.m.

Classic car enthusiasts bring out their pride and joy for a special annual drive through downtown.

July 20-21

BBQ'Loo & Blues, Too!, Lincoln Park

Area barbecue masters gather to compete in multiple categories, with audience members reaping the tasty benefits. Entertainment is also provided.

Juke Joint Sinners - July 20

Rev. Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys - July 21

Community Main Street

www.communitymainstreet.org

June 9

Main Street Sale, downtown, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy sidewalk sales from Main Street businesses while enjoying food and free ice cream. Watch doggie weddings at 9:30 a.m. courtesy of Classy Paws, and a dance demonstration by Little Brazil Capoeira Academy at 10:30 a.m.

Movies Under the Moon

Overman Park, Music by Cedar Valley Acoustic Guitar Association begins at 6:30 p.m., movies at dusk

Spread out for some cinema under the stars, preceded by some smooth tunes.

June 15 - "Daddy Day Care"

June 29 - "Shark Tale"

July 13 - "Sleepless in Seattle"

July 27 - "The Natural"

Aug. 10 - "Some Like it Hot"

Aug. 24 - "E.T."

June 16

Magic On Main awards ceremony, First National Bank, 11 a.m.

After enjoying two weeks of art by junior high and high school students displayed in Main Street windows, see who wins cash prizes in this juried art show.

Everyone to Overman, Overman Park, 6 to 10 p.m.

Drink, eat and sway to tunes by Checker and the Blue Tones.

June 22-24

Sturgis Falls Festival, downtown

Entertainment stages, food vendors and a whole lot of people overtake downtown for this annual three-day event.

July 13

Cedar River Festival, Gateway Park, 6 to 9 p.m.

After cleaning up the Cedar River, enjoy musical entertainment.

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Live to 9

Sturgis Park, 5:30 to 9 p.m. (bands subject to change)

A new musical event series highlighting the newly constructed bandshell in Sturgis Park.

July 20 - Puddin' Truck

Aug. 3 - Major Healey

Aug. 17 - The Snozzberries

Aug. 31 - CB & Company

July 25

RAGBRAI stop

Biking enthusiasts - including a famous face - on their annual trek across Iowa pedal into Cedar Falls.

Aug. 9-12

Cedar Trails Festival

Celebrate the area's vast trails system with a series of fun-filled events including a bike rodeo, a night ride and a poker ride.

Aug. 18

Sweet Corn Fest, North Shore Boat House, 6 to 10 p.m.

Good eats include pork on a stick, refreshments and all the sweet corn you can eat - plus entertainment courtesy of Puddin' Truck.