MASON CITY, IA - The 2001 Band Festival parade was supposed to be a carefree event, like most years, but a float turned anti-illegal immigration protest by local activist Janice Easley, sparked a debate that got nationwide attention.
"You know, Mason City that was really founded by immigrants” said Chamber of Commerce Director Robin Anderson, “that's the first time that we've really had that question on the table."
This was at a time when immigration reform was a hot topic nationwide, and Governor Tom Vilsack encouraged Mason City to be a leader in encouraging immigrants to Iowa.
"This was an initiative to invite population back to Iowa,” said former city council member Lori Henry, “because we were losing population except for immigrants."
The topic became a signature issue in the city council race between Henry and current council member Max Weaver, and that race is now the topic of the upcoming documentary, “How Democracy Works Now.”
"Some of these film makers came to Mason City to find out, what is the sentiment towards immigrants in Middle America," said Anderson.
Producer Michael Camerin says they followed the immigration topic nation wide
Mason City is featured in part one of the 12 part series, and he says the small-town debate really fit the description of democracy.
"An issue that, really wasn't a local jurisdiction issue at all, could influence a local election," said Henry.
And it show how “alive” freedom of speech is.
A sneak preview of the series will air on HBO later this month.
Filmmakers tell us they hope to bring the film back to River City for the world premier soon.
To lean more about the film, CLICK HERE to check out their website.
