A Tradition Since 1968: Cedar Falls Hosts Annual Safety City for Kids

Safety first, right?

This week, hundreds of young students in Cedar Falls are receiving their first lessons in real-world safety, thanks to an event that has been a community tradition for more than half a century.

From now (September 10) through 12, nearly 500 kindergarteners from the Cedar Falls Community School District, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Valley Lutheran, and Cedar Ridge Christian will gather in the parking lot of the Target Distribution Center for Safety City.

Safety City for Kids: What to Know

Hosted by Cedar Falls Public Safety in partnership with Target, the event turns everyday situations into hands-on learning.

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Children rotate through stations covering topics like fire safety, bicycle safety, first aid, calling 911, railroad safety, electrical safety, and even how to handle “stranger danger.”

The program is made possible through a wide network of local partners, including Black Hawk County Consolidated Dispatch, MercyOne, Cedar Falls Utilities, INRCOG Safe Routes to School, and Iowa Northern Railway Company.

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The Safety for Kids event has a long, rich history in Cedar Falls.

The History of Safety City for Kids

Safety City has been a Cedar Falls tradition since 1968, but it was put on hold only once in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For generations, it has helped local kids build the confidence and knowledge to stay safe in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

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Lieutenant Gavin Carman with Cedar Falls Public Safety says the event is about more than just safety tips; it’s about planting lifelong habits:

When kids learn how to react in an emergency, they not only protect themselves but also become a resource for their families and friends.

As the latest class of kindergarteners pedals through mock crosswalks and practices dialing 911, Cedar Falls continues to strengthen its commitment to safety, one child at a time.

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