The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is reviving a tradition as they announce the return of the button design contest.
Local artists or those aspiring to be artists are invited to participate in the 40th Anniversary Button Design Contest. Community members will submit their designs for consideration to be featured on the official Freedom Festival attendee button in 2023, according to a news release sent by the organization.
The festival will take submissions through Dec. 4, 2022. Designs can be submitted via email to Marketing@freedomfestival.com or can be mailed to the Freedom Festival office at 609 First Ave SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405. The winning design will be announced at the beginning of January, with the winning designer receiving artwork recognition, a “VIP Experience” to select Freedom festival events, honored as a Grand Marshall in the 2023 Freedom Festival Parade, and a Festival Prize pack of buttons and t-shirts.
“As we look to some of our most popular programming from festival’s past, the Button Design Contest sticks out as one of my own favorite memories!” said Karol Shepherd, Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival in the release. “I can’t wait to see all the creativity that the corridor has to offer and the different button design possibilities for our 40th anniversary button!”
According to the release, the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is moving into its 2023 season of programming with a sense of both celebration and nostalgia as the staff, board, and volunteers prepare for the organization’s 40th anniversary. Taking a look at the festival’s past, present, and future.
The dates for the festival are June 14 through July 4, 2023. For more information, past button designs, and button design criteria please visit www.freedomfestival.com. All entries become property of the Freedom Festival and artwork may be manipulated for printing on festival t-shirts.
