The City of Council Bluffs, in partnership with the Iowa West Foundation, will kick-off the summer season starting Memorial Day weekend and celebrate the opening of River’s Edge Park with three weeks of events showcasing all of the possibilities the park can provide. Loessfest is slated to become an annual celebration of Council Bluffs’ landscape and the community. All events for Loessfest’s inaugural year will take place at the new park in an effort to introduce this new park and to celebrate its opening.

This new park will feature the latest addition to the Iowa West Public Art Permanent Collection. Making its public debut during Loessfest on May 25 is a unique and interactive light display on the Great Lawn, entitled Rays. Rays is a $500,000 installation by artist Dan Corson, funded by the Iowa West Foundation. This eight-minute interactive lighting environment uses the five-acre Great Lawn as a canvas. The permanent display will run on the hour and half-hour and will be a “must see” in the metro area. The presenting sponsor for the initial unveiling of the light display is the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

In addition to the Great Lawn Interactive Light Display, Rays, Loessfest features an amazing line-up of events, all of which are free, thanks to generous sponsors. Also, SilverStone Group is hosting a special event for these donors and supporters. The free events include:

•  “America’s Band,” The Beach Boys, kicks off the celebration with a free concert on the Great Lawn on May 25. Thanks to presenting sponsor, American National Bank. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets – concessions will be available. Opening for The Beach Boys is the heartland’s own Mulberry Lane at 7pm.
• On May 26, the Omaha Symphony will play a patriotic selection appropriate for Memorial Day: Fireworks for Freedom: A Patriotic Salute. The Symphony will be joined by the SAC Band. A fantastic fireworks display will follow the performance that will be seen for miles on either side of the Missouri River.
• The acclaimed Playing with Fire Concert series will bring world-class blues, jazz and funk to the park on May 27. Loessfest will also feature a Food Truck Festival on the 27th, offering food trucks from across the region to showcase their food offerings. Ethnic foods and other unique cuisine will be featured, giving visitors many opportunities for delicious foods

For more information, including the full schedule of events taking place this Summer,  visit Loessfest.com.