You’re not going to want to miss the return of our ever-popular Freedom Festival Signature Event–Balloon Glow–this year! Join us for Balloon Glow at Jones Park on Saturday, June 17th!
Watch the sun go down and enjoy time with family and friends. Enjoy MULTIPLE area performers followed by the balloons “glowing” just before dusk.
Weather depending: the caution tape will be removed and patrons will be able to get up close and personal with these amazing balloons and balloonists! NOTE: Balloons are not a guarantee. Every effort will go into having balloons, but safety is our #1 priority. All updates to weather or cancelation will be made on our social media channels. NO REFUNDS ON BUTTONS.
Event line-up:
Day’s Live Music
The 34th Army Band’s Rock Group, 42 Romeo
The 34th Army Band’s “42 Romeo” is not your ordinary rock band. As members of the 34th Army Band, they have a special mission: to serve as ambassadors for the Iowa Army National Guard. A typical 42 Romeo performance weaves together a variety of music, ranging from classic rock to current hits, and a little bit of everything in between. Their goal is to play something that every audience member will love, but their performances are not just meant to entertain–they are meant to inspire. Their message is one of courage, citizenship, and service to your community, state, and country.
Members of 42 Romeo live and work in communities across the region, and come together once a month to fulfill their National Guard obligation, rehearse and perform. Some of the band members work in the music field full-time, but you may run across others when you sit down in the dentist chair, or when you call your company’s technical support department. The National Guard Soldiers in 42 Romeo are members of your community who chose to serve their country and share their talents to create compelling musical performances across the state.
Over the past year, 42 Romeo put on 16 performances, including performances at military events, community festivals, and schools. Their upcoming 2023 Summer Tour schedule will find them in Eastern Iowa, and they are currently in the process of planning for a tour of Iowa high schools.
The Bamboozlers
This is back to being a BUTTONED EVENT! Wear your 2023 festival button for entry or purchase one at the gate!
Parking will be extremely limited, so we encourage that you park and ride our shuttles. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off location is Kirkwood Continuing Education Training Center (101 50th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
We have also partnered with Pedal Power to get you to and from Jones Park. A limited number of golf carts will also be available to transport. A map of the venue to come!
Things to know:
– Soft-sided coolers with outside food and beverages are allowed (alcohol is allowed–NO GLASS).
(Bags and coolers will be checked for compliance before entry)
– A number of food and beverage vendors will be on site.
– Alcohol will NOT be available for purchase.
– No pets and no fireworks (including sparklers).
– Please treat the property with respect at all times.
– Smoking is NOT allowed on the grounds at any time.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE:
Hy-Vee, KCRG, KRNA, KDAT, KHAK, KGYM, Smart FM, UFG Insurance, Z102.9, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, MidAmerican Energy, Pactiv Evergreen, and Transamerica!
