Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival 2009 Takes Place June 18, 2009 - July 4, 2009

Despite experiencing a historic flood in downtown Cedar Rapids in June of 2008, the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival non-profit organization is committed to continuing with the annual Freedom Festival. The Freedom Festival of 2009 commemorates the 26^th celebration of this annual event.

The Freedom Festival 2009 kicks off this year on June 18, 2009 with ceremonial flag raising at 7:30 am on May's Island. Then at 11:30 am an inspirational Heroes Luncheon will be held at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. This inspirational luncheon is a tribute to everyday heroes that play a vital role in the community. That evening, a water ski show will take place at Ellis Park presented by the Five Seasons Ski Team. The show features stunning water jump acts including pyramids, water ballet and more.

The Freedom Festival events continue on Friday, June 19, 2009 with the Patriotic Pops Concert. The concert is held on the grounds of Kirkwood Community College and will feature Janelle Lauer and the nationally-recognized 80-piece Cedar Rapids Symphony-Orchestra. The concert is then followed by a dazzling fireworks show.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival celebration continues on Saturday, June 20^th with a classic rock concert held on the grounds of Kirkwood Community College. This year's classic concert features Three Dog Night and America. This is a family friendly event with an inflatable action zone for the kids and Marvel characters Spiderman and Wolverine will also be making an appearance during the evening.

On Father's Day the Freedom Festival is hosting a special Father's Day event called Vintage and Vinyl and will include a vintage auto show as well as variety of live music all day long.

The fun continues throughout this 16-day festival continues with a balloon glow held at historic Brucemore on June 25^th and the Freedom Festival Parade on June 27^th. A cardboard regatta race will be held on Robbins Lake on June 28^th. Daily events are listed in full detail on the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival 2009 web site.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival 2009 concludes on the fourth of July with an action-packed day of family-friendly events. The day kicks off with a Patriot's Bazaar and Farmer's Market on the 2^nd Avenue Bridge downtown. Downtown events also include the Alliant Energy Fifth Season 8K Race, kids parade and more. The events close at Kirkwood Community College with music from the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band followed by fireworks.

Prior to the Flood of 2008, the fireworks display was held downtown Cedar Rapids. As the downtown area remains under recovery, the fireworks show will take place at Kirkwood Community College. The Freedom Festival non-profit organization plans to have the fireworks display and many other events return downtown as soon as recovery and rebuilding efforts are completed.

Freedom Festival 2009 Must Have - Freedom Festival Button

To enjoy free admission or discounted admission to many of the Freedom Festival 2009 events, participants should purchase a Freedom Festival Button. The button is available for just three dollars and available at many of the local grocery stores and convenience stores in the Cedar Rapids area. The purchase of a Freedom Festival 2009 button also includes money-saving coupons and a chance to win cash.

Source:

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival Web Site - www.freedomfestival.com