We Are CR, Part 3: Show time

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more

First-hand perspectives on Cedar Rapids' All America City award: Last week, Quinn Pettifer traveled to Denver as part of the Cedar Rapids delegation to the All America City conference, building community pride and friendships along the way.

This is the third in a series of blog posts reflecting on the experience - find part one here and part two here, and stay tuned tomorrow for a bonus - part four. Or, replay our conversation with City of Cedar Rapids officials here.

On Saturday morning at 10:45 a.m., our own Cedar Rapids Delegation took position outside the closed doors of the packed auditorium, awaiting our wave in for the presentation. The energy and pride our group demonstrated was infectious to onlookers and other communities. These 39 strangers had transformed into a unified front of love for our community, each displaying their "I am" shirts:

I am a Positive Person

I am a Mother to Be

I am a Planner

I am a Husband…..the list alone caused a lot of smiles.

Hugs and tears were exchanged, as if we had already won. Last minute instructions and reminders from our presentation leader Casey Prince were on point-as if this group had been working together for years instead of mere weeks.

Suddenly, the doors opened. The music and singing started and I watched in awe for the next 20 minutes at the amazing work these individuals put in to telling hundreds why Cedar Rapids is an All America City. Healthy choices, our arts and culture community, neighborhood and business recovery from a flood that cost us billions…..all rolled into a story.

Every individuals played a role-telling the story of flood, the rebuilding and the love for a city that has led to milestone moments for all. The unveiling of murals from what was to what will be in the background gave a visual that was consistent to the story.

I stood behind the camera, capturing the experience-my eyes tearing up as the formal presentation ended and the audience gave a standing ovation and applause. The Q&A from the judges consisted of a few moments of stunned silence, awe and appreciation for our ability to share our story.

Saturday evening was a time of celebration - pride that everything that could have been done was - and with that, we already won.

Not only was the experience of All America City a great bonding experience among our delegation, but looking into the means in which 23 communities came together to present their story is something I'll never forget. The cheers and celebration of pride, history and the future was visible in every line, every chant, every song.