Downtown July 4th fireworks launch site announced
Freedom Festival fireworks
to be launched from May’s Island plaza area
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – May 4, 2010 – Freedom Festival’s return to its traditional Downtown Cedar Rapids venue on July 4th will include a new location for the festival’s fireworks launch. This year’s Celebration of Freedom fireworks, sponsored by Rockwell Collins, will be launched from the grassy plaza area on May’s Island between the Veteran’s Memorial Building and the Linn County Courthouse.
Freedom Festival staff members are working with City of Cedar Rapids departments to revise the traditional venue layout. Expanded fireworks viewing options will be available along and including 1st Street SW from the corner of 2nd Av SW southerly to the Parking Lot 20 (Trolley Lot) area north of the Cedar Rapids Police Department headquarters building.
“We understand that many fireworks fans are accustomed to viewing the annual display from favorite locations on the 2nd and 3rd Avenue bridges,” said Janet Wilhelm, Freedom Festival executive director. “Every effort is being made to provide new viewing vantage points as our community celebrates our nation’s birthday.
“The flood of 2008 forced many changes upon our community,” she added. “It’s not unexpected that even though the Celebration of Freedom fireworks are returning to downtown Cedar Rapids this year, it will take several years to establish a new “traditional” downtown venue. We hope everyone will remain flexible as we work to this end.”
The launch site change was necessitated after the existing barge arrangement that had been used for a number of years was no longer an option. “Efforts to find a new location, led by Mayor Ron Corbett, ultimately identified the May’s Island plaza as an exciting alternative, and one which would add an extra salute to the rededication of the restored Grant Wood window in the Veterans Memorial Building,” Russ Oviatt, Freedom Festival operations director said. “The festival’s fireworks contractor and Cedar Rapids Fire Department officials have determined that safety zone requirements are sufficient to accommodate the site change.
“The annual pancake breakfast sponsored by Quaker Oats will be held in its traditional location at the west end of the 2nd Av bridge,” Oviatt added. “A new event this year, Buster’s Tailgate & Beach Party that includes sand volleyball and cornhole game courts, as well as hot wings vendors and contestants, and Buster’s entertainment stage, will be held in Lot 20 (Trolley Lot) and along portions of 1st St SW adjacent to the lot.”
Oviatt noted that traditional 1st St. SW venue attractions such as Action Zone, will be relocated within the immediate area to enhance fireworks viewing capacity. He also noted that planning is also underway to provide food and soft drink beverage amenities and activities for individuals and families viewing the fireworks from the east side of the river.
“Will the venue be different?” Certainly,” said Oviatt. “Change can be challenging, but ultimately it is why we gather at this traditional downtown site that is most important – to celebrate our nation’s birthday. And celebrate we will.”