Contests
Freedom Festival creates many opportunities for people to come together. Certainly, during the Festival, at events, we see the coming together of families and friends, residents and visitors, old and young but a lot happens before and after the Festival that builds excitement, partnership and collaboration. Freedom Festival strives to create many opportunities for individuals to become involved in the Festival. Among them are two very important competitions that help set the look and tone of each new year's Freedom Festival.
Artwork Competition
Perhaps most visible during Freedom Festival and throughout the year is the official artwork for that particular year's Festival.
Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is proud to support Iowa artists with its annual competition for original art to represent each year's festival. The winner receives a cash prize of $1,250.
Since 1990 we have selected artwork that embodies the spirit of this celebration of America in the Heartland. Each year's new artwork is our graphic representation used on Freedom Festival buttons, t-shirts, Casey's General Store beverage cups, posters and other promotions.
Tribute to Heroes
In a sense this is a competition, but in reality is a penetrating look into our communities and recognition of five individuals or couples who are every day heroes in our lives and communities.
Each year Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival in conjunction with Surgery Center Cedar Rapids and Cedar Memorial Funeral Homes and Cemetery honors five local heroes who are nominated by area residents for their efforts in changing lives and enhancing the quality of life in our communities. Their collective work reflects uncommon altruism and the common values shared in America's heartland.