In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, Cedar Rapids is holding its annual Freedom Festival starting today and running for the next 11 days, through Independence Day weekend. Fest executive director Nancy Wendler says there are 76 events including: antique car shows, big band dance, Fly Iowa at the Eastern Iowa Airport, in addition to concerts, a parade, picnics, fireworks and much more.Wendler says one unusual event is the 9th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta where teams create all sorts of odd-looking watercraft using cardboard as their primary ingredient. She says it’s unbelievable some of the boats they come with, and then she says there are some that “sink very graciously.”For more information, surf to “www.freedomfestival.com”.