Hy-Vee celebrating half-century in Cedar Rapids

Hy-Vee celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of its first Cedar Rapids store this week its Johnson Avenue location.

The Hy-Vee at 1843 Johnson Ave. NW opened in 1960, the first of 15 Hy-Vee grocery and drug stores that now operate in Cedar Rapids.

A Springtime Festival that begins at the store April 27 includes an exhibit of the store's 1960 grand opening advertisement, and a 12-panel display with highlights of Hy-Vee's past five decades.

Exhibits will also show what the Johnson Avenue store will look like after its current remodeling is complete.

Springtime Party Coordinator Janis Barger said the store will give away 50 bags of groceries, and conduct a drawing for a free birthday cake. It will also serve a 50-foot sub sandwich on Saturday, and anniversary cake and punch Thursday and Saturday.

An old-fashioned carnival featuring family games, free popcorn and an appearance by Sparkles the Clown will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot.

The classic Dr. Seuss story “Green Eggs and Ham” will be read on the half-hour on Saturday morning. The store will offer a green eggs and ham breakfast free with the purchase of any regular breakfast that morning.

Customers who still have Regal Stamps from the store's early days are invited to bring them in for a chance to win a $50 Hy-Vee gift card.

“Springtime Party gives us an opportunity to celebrate our long-time commitment to Cedar Rapids and take a look at the future,” store Director Kevin Sherlock said.

He said the store has more than quadrupled its space since opening, to its current 64,600 square feet.