Good morning, Columbia.

The local Gold Star Memorial Day Parade returns for its second year in Columbia to honor families who lost a loved one during military service.

The event will be held on Memorial Day.

Local growth coach Jessie Kwatamdia has led workshops — focusing on strategic business mindset, growth, sales mastery and emotional intelligence — in Columbia to boost local leaders' skills for success.

Nightjar Arts Collective opened last October at the former Stop-gap Projects site downtown offering art exhibits, readings and creative writing classes at low cost.

Co-founders Ruth Joffre, Cass Donish and Cristina Mislán introduced a membership model and sliding-scale fees to ensure community access — keeping art affordable for all.

Carol Sexton leads longarm quilting workshops that help both beginners and experienced quilters create art quilts.

The active quilting community (including the Booneslick Trail Quilters’ Guild) offers classes and events that connect local makers and celebrate creativity.

AAA expects 45 million Americans to travel over Memorial Day weekend — with 39 million driving more than 50 miles — and Missouri drivers should plan routes and check vehicle safety as heavy traffic is expected Thursday, Friday, and Monday.

Boonville is seeking a brand to build a modern hotel to serve sports visitors from Ballparks Central; Economic Developer Jim Gann said a market study of a site near the I-70 exit has been completed and construction could start in about two years if a developer is recruited.

Cynthia Martin was approved by the Columbia School Board as the new principal of Cedar Ridge Elementary in Columbia; her appointment is set to guide the school's future direction.

The University of Missouri is awarding 6,432 degrees to 5,967 students over the weekend in Columbia, with 4,737 bachelor's, 1,020 master's, 454 professional, 207 doctorate and 14 education specialist degrees conferred.

Missouri lawmakers passed a healthcare bill expanding women's and maternal health coverage, telehealth access, and childcare allergy policies— including insurance for blood pressure monitors for pregnant mothers— and the bill now awaits the governor's signature.

City and MoDOT announced roadwork starting Monday, May 18 that will close I-70 ramps from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., West Rollins Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Eighth and Walnut garage until early August; South Sixth and East Stewart roads will close until March 31, 2028.

Columbia declared May as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month on May 15 after Mayor Barbara Buffaloe approved the proclamation; the Huntington's Disease Society of America invites residents to share experiences via its LetsTalkAboutHD campaign as educational programs and community events are planned throughout the month.

Realtor.com data shows Boone County’s median home sale price reached $324,781 in February — a 10.3% rise from January.

Recorded sales increased 20.5% from last February, indicating a boost in local market activity.

Intro to Machine Embroidery Workshop

6-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.

The Lorax Movie Screening

8-10 a.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars with The Lorax.

Big (1988) Movie Screening

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.

Kris Lager Band Performance

10:30 a.m. — Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kris Lager as he brings a spirited performance outdoors.

Atomic Returns to Dive Bar

8 PM – 12 AM — Dive Bar — Cost details not provided — Experience the gritty blend of Midwest rock, country, and blues from Atomic Junction.

Apollo 13 Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Celebrate cinematic history with the thrilling Apollo 13 on a Saturday night under the stars.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

5-8 p.m. — Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area — $130-$225 — Young soccer enthusiasts can improve their skills under professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment.

Arts Fishing Club Performance

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of captivating live music at Rose Music Hall.

Zootopia 2 Movie Night

6:30-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of Zootopia 2 under the stars.

Lilo & Stitch Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — Free for teachers and their guests — Enjoy a nostalgic evening under the stars with Lilo & Stitch.