County Set to Approve Downtown Fireworks

CEDAR RAPIDS- The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival should get Linn County approval later this week to bring the giant fireworks show back downtown on July 4th.

The fireworks moved away from May's Island in 2008 when flood damage and clean up left the area unsafe for crowds. Linn County Supervisors must sign off on permission for fireworks because organizers use the area around the county courthouse. That sign off should happen on Wednesday.

Freedom Fest organizers say the fireworks requirements have not changed since the display was forced to leave the downtown area. Organizers say they had to show a plan to prevent sparks from damaging roofs of county buildings.

But the crowds coming downtown once again for the big Celebration of Freedom finale will see some rule changes. Festival organizers will announce those changes on Tuesday.