Freedom Festival in Cedar Rapids names new executive director

As the 37-year-old Freedom Festival takes a new, hybrid approach in 2021, it will have a new leader as well.

The not-for-profit organization promoted Karol Shepherd as executive director.

Shepherd started at Freedom Festival in January 2020 as its events and marketing director. She is Freedom Festival’s third executive director in the last three years.

“We are excited to present Karol with this opportunity,” said Jill Costigan, the president of Freedom Festival’s board of directors, in a news release.

“Karol embodies our core values and mission, holding to tradition but also brings with her an excitement and fresh perspective."

Freedom Festival — which over its history has evolved into a two-week-long event that includes a parade and fireworks — plans to have a “smaller lineup of programming that focuses on a mix of in-person, hybrid and virtual options,” according to the release. More information on the event is to be released later in May.

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