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Freedom Festival
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FAQ

Have a question? We can help!

Each year we field literally thousands of questions concerning Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival events. And that’s great. But for those times when we aren’t available to talk with you directly, here are answers to some of the questions we receive most often.

Please click on a category.


If your question isn’t addressed here, please call the Freedom Festival office at 319-365-8313 during business hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

2008 Dates & Schedules
What are the dates of the 2008 Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival?

June 19 - July 4

Where can I pick up the Freedom Festival 2008 Schedule of Events?

All area Casey’s General Stores, Hy-Vee Food Stores & Drug Stores, Cost Cutters, Lindale Mall Information Desk, and the Freedom Festival office at 226 2nd St. SE in Cedar Rapids.

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Buttons & Merchandise

Where can I purchase Freedom Festival 2008 buttons

All area Casey’s General Stores, Hy-Vee Food Stores & Drug Stores, Lindale Mall Information Desk and the Freedom Festival office at 226 2nd St. SE in Cedar Rapids. Buttons will go on sale on Memorial Day.

How much do Freedom Festival buttons cost this year?

Your modest investment of $3 in a 2008 Freedom Festival button helps cover the costs of this year’s festival that is once again filled with family-oriented educational and fun events and activities. Each button package is filled with valuable coupons; and, a number of lucky button buyers will find a gold button in their package and win $25, $50, $75 or $100, gold button certificates must be turned in to the Freedom Festival office at 226 2nd St. SE, and checks will be issued the week following the conclusion of the 2008 Festival.
Your investment in the Festival is gratefully acknowledged and sincerely appreciated by the entire Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Inc. organization.

Where can I purchase Freedom Festival 2008 t-shirts?

Hy-Vee Food Store (4035 Mt Vernon Rd SE), Hy-Vee Drug Stores (1520 6th St SW & 4825 Johnson Av NW) and the Freedom Festival office at 226 2nd St. SE in Cedar Rapids, plus at many event sites.

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Fireworks

Where are the Freedom Festival 2008 fireworks?

There are 3 great opportunities to view spectacular Freedom Festival 2008 fireworks sponsored again this year by Rockwell Collins. They include:

June 20 Kirkwood Community College - following the Freedom Festival Patriotic Pops Concert
June 21 Kirkwood Community College - following the Classic Rock Concert Night
July 4 Downtown Cedar Rapids - the annual "Celebration of Freedom" Fireworks, 9:40 PM

Where can I get information on the Ellis Boat Yard fireworks?

The Ellis Boat Yard fireworks are not produced by the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. All inquiries should be directed to: Mr. Dean Brown at 319-395-5218, or by mail at PO Box 1965, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. The indication we have received is that the Club intends to launch its fireworks from the Ellis boat dock area on Thursday, July 3

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Alcoholic Beverages

Does the Freedom Festival allow alcoholic beverages on its venues?

Yes, and No.

Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on the Kirkwood Community College venues – specifically the Freedom Festival Classic Rock Concert Night and Freedom Festival Patriotic Pops Concert. This is a requirement of the State of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College – and it is one we respect and diligently enforce.

Carry-in alcoholic beverages are permitted on other venues within the existing statutes of the State of Iowa and City of Cedar Rapids.

As always, to ensure the enjoyment of the events by all patrons, moderation in alcoholic beverage consumption is requested. Public intoxication will not be tolerated at any Freedom Festival venue, and individuals found to be intoxicated will be asked to leave or escorted from the venue by area law enforcement personnel.

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Food, BBQ, Special Diets & Coolers

When and where will food be available for purchase during Freedom Festival-produced events?

June 20 Pops Concert at Kirkwood Community College
June 21 Classic Rock Concert Night at Kirkwood Community College
June 26 Balloon Glow at Brucemore
June 28 FestaFun in Greene Square Park
June 29 Great Cardboard Boat Regatta®
July 4 Pancake Breakfast, downtown at the west end of the 2nd Avenue Bridge
July 4 Food-on-the-Island, 2nd and 3rd Avenue Bridges and the Trolley Lot

What can you tell me about the BBQ Roundup?

The BBQ Roundup is a Freedom Festival “Affiliated Event” and runs from Thursday June 26 through Sunday, June 29. The BBQ Roundup is located in the Park-N-Ride Lot at the corner of 8th Avenue and 2nd Street SE in Cedar Rapids.

Admission is $3 per adult; children 12 and under are free

Does the Freedom Festival permit carrying in food or beverages for special diets or infant/toddler needs?

Absolutely! Freedom Festival supports our loyal food vendors, but we understand that infants and toddlers have their own special formula needs or eating preferences. We are also very mindful that a number of Festival patrons have various medical conditions that dictate particular dietary items and schedules. As you enter a particular venue, if Staff or Volunteers ask you about your carry-in food items, please indicate that they are special medical dietary items. There is no need to reveal the nature of the medical condition.

What about coolers on the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Bridges and at the concerts on the Kirkwood Community College campus?

2nd & 3rd Avenue Bridges – No hard-side coolers are permitted in accordance with City policy. Soft-side coolers may be inspected for general security purposes.

Kirkwood Community College venue concert events - NO coolers are permitted.

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Musical Entertainment

Who will be the Freedom Festival 2008 musical entertainment?
Freedom Festival 2008 will feature an excellent line-up of national and regional talent, including:

June 20 Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, with opening performance by Janelle Lauer - Freedom Festival Patriotic Pops Concert at Kirkwood Community College
June 21 America and Three Dog Night, with opening performance by Janelle Lauer - Classic Rock Concert Night at Kirkwood Community College
June 26 Cedar Island Band - Balloon Glow on the grounds of Brucemore Mansion
July 4 Cedar Rapids Municipal Band - Freedom Festival's Prelude to Fireworks Concert

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Parades - Viewing & Entering

What can you tell me about the Freedom Festival Parade?

The Freedom Festival Parade will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 9 AM in downtown Cedar Rapids. Please contact the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival office at 319-365-8313 for details. Entries forms are available on this website and are also available at the Freedom Festival office.

Will the KCRG Kids' Parade be held this year?

Yes. KCRG-TV9 is once again sponsoring the popular and ever-enjoyable KCRG Kids’ Parade on July 4th. It’s a parade just for kids! No need to register, just line up on the 3rd Avenue Bridge in front of the Linn County Courthouse. Start time is approximately 10 AM.

Will the annual Pet Parade be held this year?

Yes. The Pet Parade, a part of FestaFun, is scheduled to begin at approximately 10 AM on Saturday, June 28 in Greene Square Park. You may enter any kind of pet as long as it is under restraint and/or contained (on a leash or in a carrying case). A wading pool, full of water, is available for the dogs. All pets must be current on their vaccinations and have appropriate tags, in accordance with the City of Cedar Rapids ordinance pertaining to animals in parades, etc.

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Parking & Shuttles

Where can I park for the events at Kirkwood Community College?

Most parking lots on the Kirkwood Community College parking lot are open for free parking. Handicapped parking will be designated in the lot immediately across the street from the front of Jones Hall.

In addition, a very convenient, free shuttle bus service will run between Prairie High School and Freedom Festival events at Kirkwood, beginning at 5 PM and ending at 10:30 PM, Friday June 29th and Saturday, June 30th.

Where can I park for May's Island events on July 4th?

All City of Cedar Rapids parking lots will be open and free. The best advice is to come early!

Will there be shuttle service for the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta® again?

Yes. As veteran Great Cardboard Boat Regatta® spectators and participants know, parking is limited at the Robbins Lake venue in Ellis Park. Arrangements are being made again this year to provide shuttle service from the Aegon parking lot to the regatta site.

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Pets & Personal Fireworks

Are pets allowed on Freedom Festival venues?

Only at the FestaFun pet parade. Otherwise pets are not permitted on any Freedom Festival venue. Events are often crowded and some pets do not respond well to the added stress of crowded venues.

Are there regulations pertaining to pets in Freedom Festival parades and shows?

Yes. At a very minimum all pets must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, and must wear a collar with the appropriate tag. In addition, the City of Cedar Rapids Code pertaining to animal treatment will apply in all cases. City of Cedar Rapids policies and procedures pertaining to this city code are under development and will be posted on this website when they are available.

Can "personal fireworks" be brought onto Freedom Festival venues?

Personal fireworks - including sparklers and snakes - are NOT permitted on the Kirkwood Community College venue, nor Downtown on the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Bridges and the Plaza area.. Elsewhere Festival patrons are strongly encouraged not to bring personal fireworks of any form to help ensure the safety of everyone attending the Festival.

Patron safety is a primary concern for the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. Personal fireworks devices are NOT PERMITED on Freedom Festival venues. Patrons violating this policy will be asked to cease using the fireworks materials during the festival, or if necessary, will be asked to leave or be escorted from the venue by law enforcement or Cedar Rapids Fire Department personnel.

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Races, Runs, Walks & Regattas

Will there be a Great Cardboard Boat Regatta® this year?

Yes. The annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta® is scheduled for Sunday, June 29 at Robbins Lake in Ellis Park. Register your boat at 10 AM, or pick up an on-site kit and make a boat right there at the park. The Media Challenge begins at 11:30 AM, and the first heats begin at Noon. Information about rules and building guidelines are available by calling the Freedom Festival office. Cardboard, furnished by Weyerhaeuser and Cedar River Paper Co., will be available in the Midwest 2PL parking lot, 308 29th St. NE, Cedar Rapids.

Will there be a Dragon Boat Festival this year?

Yes. The Cedar River Dragon Boat Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 21 at Pleasant Creek near Palo. The festival begins with the “Awakening of the Dragon” ceremony, followed by competition in beginning, intermediate and international classes. Check the Events page for details and contact information.

Tell me about the Alliant Energy Fifth Season 8K Road Race, 5K Fun Run and Walk, Fifth Season Youth Mile Run and Kids Fun Run.

The Alliant Energy Fifth Season 8K Race and the 5K Fun Run/Walk are traditional events for the Freedom Festival on July 4th and will be held again in 2008. The events are sponsored by Alliant Energy and hosted by the Cedar Valley Running Association. Both events begin at the 3rd Avenue Bridge in downtown Cedar Rapids.

The 8K Race features an out-and-back segment on Grand Avenue and finished on the 2nd Avenue Bridge. Certified by the USA Track and Field, the 5K Fun Run/Walk is a non-competitive event, giving you a chance to go out with friends and watch the 8K runners wind their way back downtown. Both events begin at 8 AM sharp.

Registration forms are available at the Alliant Energy Tower, Freedom Festival office and area sporting goods stores, or you may register online at www.cvra.net . Packet pick-up and late registration is at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350 1st Avenue NE on July 3rd from 11 AM - 6 PM, and on race morning. Check the Event page for details and contact information.

Youth Mile Run for youth ages 9 to 14, features a staggered group start. Register on-line at www.active.com or obtain an entry form at www.cvra.net, Alliant Energy, Freedom Festival office or sporting goods stores. Packet pick-up and late registration is at Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350 1st Ave NE, on 7/3 from 11am-6pm and on race morning. Check the Events page for details and contact information.

Kids' Fun Run, for kids ages 8 & under, features a staggered age group start. Register on-line at www.active.com or obtain an entry form at www.cvra.net, Alliant Energy, Freedom Festival office or sporting goods stores. Packet pick-up and late registration is at Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350 1st Ave NE, on 7/3 from 11am-6pm and on race morning. Check the Events page for details and contact information.

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Radio & TV Broadcasts

"Celebration of Freedom" Fireworks music will be broadcast on KMRY-1450 AM, KDAT-104.5 and KHAK-98.1 at 9:40 PM on July 4th. Information on a KGAN television broadcast is pending.

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Restrooms

Will there be public restroom facilities on the venues? Why are some restrooms not available to the public?

Public portable restroom facilities, including handicap-accessible units, are located at a number of locations at all Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival-produced events. These restrooms are strategically located within the venues to provide convenient access to event patrons, while maintaining a discrete distance from event viewing and dining areas.

On some venues the Freedom Festival is required as part of our contract with stage management and musical personnel to provide private access restroom facilities near the stage. Although these restrooms are not available to the public, other public restroom facilities are always located nearby.

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Trash Handling

What will happen to all of the trash from the festival?

Now in its 8th year, our Good, Clean Fun Program, with the help of the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, tries to divert over half of the festival-generated trash from the landfill into recycling opportunities. This year Freedom Festival and its sponsors will be placing even greater emphasis on diversion of recyclable items from the landfill.

The Festival staff and sponsors urges each festival goer to enjoy the Festival to the utmost, and at the same time work with our volunteers to place trash in the appropriate bins provided throughout the venues.

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Volunteers

How can I or my group volunteer with the Freedom Festival?

If you are interesting in volunteering during the Freedom Festival, please call the festival office at 319-365-8313 and leave your name and telephone number and/or an email address. We will be filling the paid volunteer opportunities (Our WinWinWin Program, sponsored by Alliant Energy and Toyota Financial Services) with groups from Freedom Festival sponsor companies throughout May. At the end of May, the remaining shifts will be open to the public. Back to FAQ Categories

Weather & Cancellations

Does the Freedom Festival have an official source for weather information?

Weather and other information will be available via the KMRY Weather Line/Freedom Festival Update Line at 319-393-0500 during the June 19 – July 4 festival dates.

Where will event cancellation information be posted?

Freedom Festival update and weather information will be available via the KMRY Weather Line/Freedom Festival Update Line at 319-393-0500 during the June 22 - July 4 festival dates. Information will also be posted on the KCRG-TV Online Cancellation page when possible.

In addition, all local and area news media will be provided with cancellation information. The Freedom Festival cannot guarantee these media sources will air or print the information, but the Freedom Festival is very appreciative of the fact that virtually all have been very supportive in this regard in the past.

If a concert is rained out this year, will there be any raindates?

As with any outdoor festival, weather is always a factor to be considered. In 2008 concerts and fireworks, including those on July 4, WILL NOT be raindated. The only event that will be raindated - should it be necessary - is the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta.

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2008 Fire & Ice Festival

Will the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival be involved with the Fire & Ice Festival again in 2008?

Yes! Even as the Freedom Festival team works to produce our signature festival in June and July, we are also working with the Cedar Rapids Downtown District on plans for the 2008 Fire & Ice Festival. Keep checking back for more information.

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226 2nd St. SE / Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 / phone: 319.365.8313 / fax: 319.365.5169
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