116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
The best Father's Day gift just might be time
Al Pierson is used to people buying flowers, ballons and candy for Mother's Day. That's no surprise. It's nearly automatic, even a reflex for people.
Yet, on Sunday morning, he kept some Father's Day bouquets and baskets on hand at the Pierson Flower Shop & Greenhouses location on Ellis Boulevard in Cedar Rapids.
“Gourmet baskets with chocolate and that's always good for the dads who like food,” said Pierson.
Taking a father out for breakfast was a popular choice for Sunday morning. At Riley's, on First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, we found fathers of all ages with children of all ages.
“Father's Day just lets me spend time with my dad and her and how special our gifts are,” said Chris Heck as he held his 15-month-old daughter, Cora. When asked what he wanted for Father's Day, he said he already got it.
“This is it! Got to get up this morning, read books with her and wrestle around, spend time with her and time with my wife,” said Heck.
How far would you travel to be with your grown children for Father's Day? Ronaldo Lacayo had to make a long road trip.
“Colorado. About 1,100 miles to see my daughter and my son,” said Lacayo, who is working in southwest Colorado while his family remains in Cedar Rapids. “It's part of the responsibility.”
An assumption that a father wants a peaceful and quiet Sunday was shattered at Hawkeye Downs on Sunday morning. As boys and girls strapped on their motocross helmets and protective gear, Jason Rodites was happy to spend his morning watching his son Scki, 9, take to the track.
“It's being out here doing what we like to do,” said Rodites. “Mom is sitting at home so we can come out and do this.”
Scki Rodites has raced since he was a toddler and appreciates having the support.
“It feels good that he's watching me and cheering me to get first,” said Scki Rodites.
Another father watching, cheering and hoping for first was Mike Kohns of Stillwater, Minn. Instead of racing, Kohns and his daughter Chelsie, 21, spent the weekend in Cedar Rapids at the All American Miniature Horse Show at the Iowa Equestrian Center, with their two-year-old horse.
“We show together and jump later,” said Mike Kohns. “It's a family thing and Chelsie has been in it for years.”
(from left) Two-year-old Julie Bruns of Cedar Rapids creates her own technique to lasso a box as her ten-year-old brother Jacob Bruns gets some help from their grandfather Brent Bruns of Monona, Iowa and their grandmother Vivian Bruns tries out a lasso herself at Ushers Ferry Historical Vilage in Cedar Rapids. Learning to lasso was one of 10 Fun Things to do with Dad at a Father's Day event on Sunday. (Cliff Jette)
Lane Wranek helps his son Colby, age 6 both of Cedar Rapids, disassemble some electronic equipment at the 'Taking Things Apart' station at Usher Ferry Historical Village's 10 Fun Things to do with Dad on Sunday, June 20, 2010 in Cedar Rapids. The father's day event offered a number of hands on activity for children to enjoy with their fathers inlcuding learning how to tie a boy tie, lasso lessons, dominoes, open fire cooking and rope making. (Cliff Jette)
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