Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

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How it all began

In 1984, Peter Teahen, with the support of the Cedar Rapids Metro Veteran's Council, coordinated the first "Celebration of Freedom" fireworks display on July 4th in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids on May's Island. Over time, interest in the celebration grew and more events were organized to become part of the patriotic festivities.

Inundated with requests that required city services, the Cedar Rapids City Council suggested an organization be formed to oversee the Festival's operations. Thus, the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival was formed and incorporated in 1987.

Initially, the organization's main function was to coordinate overall event planning and promotion. It established criteria for all event eligibility and acted as liaison between event sponsors and city departments. A representative from each event served on the Freedom Festival Council, chaired by our event coordinator. The Freedom Festival processed the "sanctioned event" (now called "affiliated events") applications for approval by the City Council and all city departments, and conducted a large marketing and public relations campaign. Festival staff continues to perform these functions for more than 80 separate and distinct events.

From 1988 to 1995, the Festival organization produced only a handful of its own events, specifically Opening Ceremonies, the "Tribute to Heroes" Luncheon, and FestaFun (held in Greene Square Park). As public demand grew and attendance increased, the Festival began to produce more events in-house, securing corporate sponsorships for each. Events grew to include Concert Nights and Symphony Night, Balloon Glow, Music and Food-on-the-Island and the grand finale "Celebration of Freedom" fireworks on July 4th.

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