Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival
Organization
About
For over 40 years, the Freedom Festival has helped to create memories for those that work, live, play, and visit Cedar Rapids and the corridor! The Freedom Festival begins each year on Flag Day, the 14th of June, and continues the three weeks leading up to and including Independence Day, the 4th of July.
Utilizing many local venues, parks, vendors, businesses, and city services, the Festival adopts a “support local” approach. While the Freedom Festival receives much support from the City of Cedar Rapids, it’s a completely separate 501(c)3 nonprofit entity.
In keeping with the Freedom Festival’s mission, we make it a priority that all of our programming is either low or no cost, to make sure that the entire community is able to celebrate a sense of patriotism and community, without cost being a barrier to enjoyment.
Our mission is to celebrate the quality of life in Eastern Iowa by providing safe, affordable and fun annual events that embody the spirit of patriotism with a sense of community and family.
Programs and Partners
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Manager
Karol Shepherd
Born and raised in Iowa, Karol moved to the Cedar Rapids area in 2003. With a background in radio and broadcasting, she worked for KZIA most recently as Promotions Director where she found her love of our community and special events. Stepping into the Events & Marketing Director role in January 2020 just weeks before the COVID pandemic forced the festival to cancel—the only full cancelation in festival’s history. Now Executive Director, Karol loves to see the community come together and create memories each June/July. Karol lives in Marion with her husband Brent, son’s Easton and Dawson and beagle-boxer mix Rey.
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