Freedom Rock Tour coming to Johnson County

SOLON - Johnson County will be home to a Freedom Rock sometime soon.

Artist Ray 'Bubba” Sorensen of Greenfield each year paints a large boulder known as the Freedom Rock in his southwest Iowa town. The patriotic designs honor veterans in various ways.

A few years ago, Sorensen decided he wanted to paint Freedom Rocks in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Sorensen's wife, Maria, said in an email that they are estimating it will take seven to 10 years to complete all 99 rocks. This year was the second year of the tour.

'Currently Bubba is booking into early 2020, painting only 10 rocks from April to October,” Maria Sorensen said. 'This year he did complete two extra rocks so that will move things up a bit and he will try to do so each year as the weather allows.”

Most of the rocks completed so far are in western Iowa, but Sorensen this year finished Scott County's rock, which is located in LeClaire.

Solon recently signed up to represent Johnson County on the tour. Denny Gruber of the Solon Area Community Foundation said the idea to bring a Freedom Rock to Solon met a very enthusiastic reception.

'We've been in contact with the city of Solon and the American Legion,” Gruber said. 'We thought the Legion would help design it with Bubba. Preliminarily we would like to include all the armed forces in some way.”

Gruber said he originally is from Fontanelle and has been aware of Greenfield's Freedom Rock for years.

Gruber said the Sorensens projected it would be a few years until Solon's rock would be completed, but Gruber is hoping the timeline can be sped up a bit.

'Next year is Solon's 175th anniversary,” Gruber said. 'We would really like to get something done for next year.”

Gruber said the foundation has been in contact with Kevin Shima about donating the rock, which needs to be at least six feet high. Gruber said the American Legion has assured the foundation it would find a place for the rock in town, likely at Legion Field.

Several counties, especially in Eastern Iowa, have yet to book a Freedom Rock. According to the Sorensens, there still are opportunities for someone to step forward in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Delaware, Linn, Jones and Cedar counties.

Those interested in sponsoring a Freedom Rock can go online to www.thefreedomrocktour.com and download an application. Once accepted, a $1,000 down payment is required.

Gruber said the foundation, which will pay for Sorensen's expenses, is anticipating the Solon rock will cost between $8,00 and $10,000. According to the Sorensens, that covers labor, paint, travel, accommodations and taxes.

FREEDOM ROCKS IN EASTERN IOWA

According to Maria Sorensen, the following Eastern Iowa counties have booked Freedom Rocks.

' Benton County. Rock to be in Shellsburg. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2020.

' Buchanan County. Rock to be in Independence. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2020.

' Iowa County. Rock to be in Marengo. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2018.

' Poweshiek County. Rock to be in Montezuma. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2016.

' Tama County. Rock to be in Gladbrook. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2018.

' Washington County. Rock to be in Brighton. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2018.

' Winneshiek County. Rock to be in Calmar. Tentatively scheduled to be painted in 2017.