Cedar Rapids, Iowa Celebrates with the Sixteen Day Freedom Festival

Cedar Rapids, Iowa will kick off their 24th Freedom Festival on June 19. Celebratory events will span sixteen days.

The Tribute to Heroes Luncheon opens the festival. It will take place June 19 at 11:30am-1:15pm. Five local heroes will be honored. Pence & Price will perform. The man who inspired "The Final Season" will be the guest speaker. Kent Stock will speak on the topic of heroism. The luncheon will take place at the Cedar Rapids Marriot Hotel. Reservations are $30.00.

Many events will take place during the sixteen day celebration. Grab some BBQ, see a water ski show, or listen to some music. There will be something for everyone including a lot of family fun.

Make sure June 29th is marked on your calendar. The Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra will be accompanied by fireworks. This event will be at the Kirkwood Community College.

Remember, before you venture out to the Freedom Festival events, make sure to pick up your Freedom Festival Button! Freedom Festival buttons are available at Casey's General Store, Cost Cutters, Hy-Vee, Lindale Mall, and the Freedom Festival office in downtown Cedar Rapids. Buttons are $3.00.

With the purchase of a Freedom Festival button, patrons will receive free or discounted admission to most festivities.

Cedar Rapids is offering something different at this year's festival. Buying a button gives you a chance to win cash. For more information, go to www.freedomfestival.com/buyabutton.asp

July 4th will wrap up the Freedom Festival events.

The day will start with a pancake breakfast sponsored by Quaker Oats. There will also be a run/walk sponsored by Alliant Energy.

Get some food and enjoy the music on May's Island throughout the day. Free entertainment will include Water's Edge (2:00pm-3:00pm),Dave Paris Band (3:30pm-4:30pm), Tim Daughterty Group (5:00pm-6:30pm), and Michael McCraney (7:00-7:30pm).

Other music can be found in the following designated places:

2nd Ave Bridge - East - Blues, Jazz & Classics with Billy Lee Janey

2nd Ave Bridge - West - Pop Guitar with Terry McCauley

3rd Ave Bridge - East - Pop, Rock & Jazz with Paul & Gail WIlliams, with Dennis McPartland

3rd Ave Bridge - West - Original Folk & Irish with Carlis Faurot & Glann Lonsdale

Trolly Lot - CR Performance Company (8pm-9pm)

Freedom Festival 2007 will close with fireworks sponsored by Rockwell Collins.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom festival is June 19-July 4. For a full list of events go to www.freedomfestival.com .