Last Saturday, families, friends, and four-legged pals roamed 5th Street in Coralville for the city’s annual 5th Street Social. The street was blocked off from 6th Avenue to 12th Avenue to allow for a host of activities, including a car show, beer garden, live music and kids tables.

The block party, which began in 2016, is hosted by the Coralville Parks and Recreation Department, in part to benefit their Youth Scholarship and Coralville Playground funds. According to the Social’s Facebook page, it is “the reincarnation” of a street dance held in 1921 to celebrate the street’s completion.

Coralville recently announced a $5 million infrastructure and landscaping update for 5th Street planned to start this spring and continue in phases until 2024. The 2023 5th Street Social will not be impacted, organizers assured, as it is not part of the intended 12th to 20th Avenue construction zone.

This year’s 5th Street Social began at 4 p.m. and lasted till 10 p.m., with a performance from Des Moines’ Final Mix Show Band closing out the night. Little Village intern Sumner Wallace shot some of the action.

Kids enjoyed inflatables and more fun activities at the block party held in Coralville, Iowa, on Saturday, Aug. 13. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Adults and kids colored in the shade. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Dash, the Iowa Heartlander’s mascot, interacts with kids during the event. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Even the adults jumped in line for face painting at the 5th Street Social. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
The 2022 5th Street Social included musical performances throughout the day. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Classic cars were on display down the west end of 5th Street, courtesy of the Classy Chassy Cruisers club. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Cashiers from Wilson’s Orchard and Farm wrapped up apple cider donuts and other goodies. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Atttendee young and old came to 5th Street to celebrate the end of summer. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Families enjoyed ice cream, trays of food and plenty of drinks. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
5th Street Social attendees sipped craft brews from four local breweries: Backpocket, Big Grove, ReUnion, and Wilson’s Cider. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Family, friends, and neighbors came together Saturday, Aug. 13 to celebrate the end of summer at the annual 5th Street Social in Coralville. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
Dash, the Iowa Heartlander’s mascot, poses for a portrait with attendees. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
A group bikes past classic cars on 5th Street. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village
The intersection of 5th Street and 10th Avenue. – Sumner Wallace/Little Village