(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Citizens for the Big Lake Freedom Rock).

The painting of the Freedom Rock^® at Lakeside Park in Big Lake will take place from July 20 through August 2.  

Ray “ Bubba”  Sorenson — an internationally known artist — has challenged himself to design and paint a military history mural on huge, magnificent boulders, for every state in the union.  This huge rock painting is his way of giving a very unique thank you to veterans everywhere.  

Check out his website at www.thefreedomrock.com to see some of his work.

The Big Lake Freedom Rock® measures 10 ft x 10 ft and weighs more than 31 tons.  It is a pink granite rock quarried out of Waite Park, Minnesota.  The rock was donated by Martin Marietta, Inc., transported to Big Lake’s Lakeside Park by T.J. Potter Trucking, Becker and placed in the park by Landwehr Crane Service, St. Cloud one year ago. Hundreds of people have been involved in this project, said Karen Blake, supporting Bubba’s work as well as honoring their own beloved veteran by purchasing a paver.  The Rock will tell Big Lake veteran stories, but the pavers surround the rock are donated from all over the U.S. representing veterans living and deceased.

The last call to get a paver included in the display is July 15.  

“We have extended the deadline because so many are just now learning about the historic rock display and are asking how they can get involved,” said Karen. 

Call Karen Blake at 763 234-0369 or email her at blakk0178@gmail.com to purchase a $100 paver and to be included in this historic display.

Mark your calendars for the dedication event Sat., Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lakeside Park.Program to start at 10:30 a.m., don’t miss the flyover event at 11 a.m.