After taking a year off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival announces the lineup of 2021 events.
“Our goal this year is to provide the community a good mix of programming that reflects a safe return to live events. We will have a mix of in-person programming, but will also incorporate some online components—where those that don’t feel comfortable gathering, can still experience the festival. i.e. Tribute to Heroes, Flag Retirement, Balloon Glow, etc.,” Freedom Festival Executive Director Karol Shepherd stated in a release.
Festival 2021 kicks off June 14 with a Log Carving Demonstration at Jones Park Lagoon Pavilion, bringing in local artists to make artwork out of derecho-damaged logs from the Cedar Rapids Parks & Rec Department. These items will be added to the Silent Auction Fundraiser, which goes live May 24 as they are completed.
Highlights this year include the return of Balloon Glow on June 22 at Hawkeye Downs, featuring music by Alisabeth VonPresley and a record 10 hot air balloons. The event will have a limited capacity, asking for reservations in advance. More details on ticket packages will be released May 24.
DockDogs returns to the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library from June 24-27 and a walk-thru parade will take place June 26 in downtown Cedar Rapids, mimicking the same footprint of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market. A virtual Music at the Museum will feature the Pork Tornadoes on June 30 via Facebook, and the festival will wrap up July 4 with a Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast and Car Show at ImOn Ice Arena in the morning and a Fireworks Finale in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Details on each event will continue to be finalized in the coming weeks and will follow the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC, city of Cedar Rapids and Linn County Public Health Department.
“We are excited to be able to bring events back to Eastern Iowa. While they might not look exactly the same as in years past, we’re making a commitment to the community that our events will stand by our mission—to provide safe, affordable and fun events leading up to and on the Fourth of July,” stated Jill Costigan, Freedom Festival board of directors.
Freedom Festival buttons will be available for purchase beginning May 28. Cost is $5 per button and will be available at all Hy-Vee Food & Drug Store locations (Cedar Rapids/Marion) and Casey’s General Stores. The festival has also partnered with the Deetz Ap to unlock Button Benefits during the 2021 Festival.
Find the most up-to-date information regarding the festival and a schedule of events at www.FreedomFestival.com/events
