Along with moving all events to downtown Waterloo, the executive committee of My Waterloo Days announced today that no buttons will be required to attend any outdoor events, and no food coupons will be necessary to purchase food, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks from food vendors. Patrons will be able to purchase these refreshments with cash direct from the food vendors. However, wrist bands and purchasing a ticket to consume alcoholic beverages will be required.

"We are committed to providing visitors with a convenient, affordable, family-focused festival for all to enjoy," said Bob Justis, president of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce. "There will be free entertainment at Lincoln Park throughout the four days, yet patrons can opt to purchase a concert ticket to enjoy more nationally-recognized venues at Young Arena. This gives everyone an array of options, depending on what they want to do."

While negotiations are not yet complete on the national venues, the free entertainment has been confirmed for Lincoln Park, which includes a great variety of popular, local bands. On May 29, visitors will be entertained by the Food Guru and chef demonstrations. WAGG will play at 5 p.m., and Lotus will wrap up the night starting at 7:30 p.m.

On May 30, groups from local schools will sing and dance on the stage beginning at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, enjoy Puddin Truck at 2:30 p.m.; Dazy Head Mazy at 5 p.m. and end the night with Hello Dave at 8 p.m.

May 31's stage entertainment will begin with Checker & Bluetones at 1 p.m. and Never the Less at 3:30 p.m. Saturday evenings music will start with Towncrier at 6 p.m. and end with the NADAS at 8:30 p.m. An opportunity to sponsor some of these bands is still available and will provide great exposure to thousands. Veridian Credit Union will host Kids Zone on the stage on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.

"We're very excited about the variety of free events, and are eager to announce the ticketed events very soon," said Jay Stoddard, director of My Waterloo Days. "This year's festival will truly offer a great selection of fun for visitors of all ages. We're very proud of the new sponsorship opportunities as well, and encourage anyone seeking increased marketing and promotional value for their business to call immediately for the best selection of opportunities."

The 2008 festival represents a transition year" with plans to host the 2009 festival downtown on the new river walk and pavilion area. As plans progress, more announcements will be made to the public.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, call the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce at 233-8431.