Cedar Rapids kicks off Independence Day party early

Cedar Rapids residents couldn’t wait for the 4th of July to start celebrating Independence Day. The city’s Freedom Festival is already underway. Fest director Nancy Wendler says there’s a host of events happening, including concerts from country to rock to symphony, food feasts, numerous fireworks displays and several parades, including a pet parade. The 11-day festival features 72 different events, including a cardboard boat regatta, an architectural walking tour and a ski team watershow. Wendler says the best way to attend any or all of the events is to get yourself one of the colorful Freedom Festival buttons.They cost three-dollars and get you discounted admission or some other benefit at all events — though many of the events are free. For more information, call (319) 365-8313 or surf to “www.freedomfestival.com”.