Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival Turns 30 With Big Birthday Plans
The Gazette editorial marks 30 years since the 1983 Celebration of Freedom fireworks that birthed the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. The two week event now draws 300000+ attendees and $12 million in local economic impact with concerts balloons dock jumping dogs sand sculptures and a grand Independence Day display. Executive Director Robyn Rieckhoff cites 900 volunteers annually with sponsors and individuals collectively contributing half a million dollars plus 80 000 to 100 000 from buttons. Ballon Glow at Brucemore is noted as the largest ever and organizers anticipate strong crowds for the festival’s final days.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Cedar Rapids
Robyn Rieckhoff
Rieckhoff
Brucemore
Reader Letters Encourage Guarded School Funding and Civic Pride
A letter urges taxpayers to demand strict earmarking for school repairs and construction, promising support for OK’d tax increases if funds are not diverted to salaries. It also praises Independence Day civics, questions farm ownership claims, and applauds Riverside Theatre’s production of The School for Scandal as a strong, cautionary performance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Superintendent of Schools
Rob Cline
Riverside Theatre
Richard Sheridan
The
Riverside
Court ruling on Voting Rights Act sparks calls for action
Analysis argues Shelby County v. Holder does not end voting protections. It urges Congress to rewrite Section 5 criteria to address modern demographics while noting many jurisdictions still face discriminatory impacts and voting access challenges. It condemns false fraud claims and backs updated safeguards.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. Supreme Court
Congress
White House
United States
Supreme Court
John Roberts
Shelby
Alabama
Shelby County
South
Justice Department
America
Root beer and Cedar Rapids heart in a city ask
Kurt Bradley urges Cedar Rapids residents to save the A W root beer drive in Ellis Boulevard as a landmark of the citys heart. He recalls local history and proposes a citizen investment plan to raise funds, inviting 2000 residents to contribute 100 each to secure financing. Bradley notes his hometown ties and lifelong love for Cedar Rapids.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
A&w
Ellis Boulevard
Dad
Ellis Park
Baron Stark
Cedar Rapids
Bever, Greene
Turner
Midwest
George Greene
Tennessee
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Thegazette
ABC
Gazette
Giance
Benghazi
U.S
Iowa
Gene Hermeier Decorah
Mary Sanchez
Msanchez
Kestar
Kurt Bradley Root Beer and the Heart of the City
Kurt Bradley
Maryville
Tenn
Cedar Rapids Washington High School
U.S. Air Force
Cyberpique
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