The B-Line Trail won't look like a normal walking path this Saturday.
As part of Bicentennial on the B-Line, community organizations and businesses will surround the trail from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 6 between Third Street and Allen Street, showcasing past, present and future activities.
“Spend the day celebrating Bloomington’s history,” said LeslieBrinson community events manager for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Cutting through the heart of the downtown, the B-Line Trail is a fitting place to celebrate the community, Brinson said. The 3.1 mile path runs from Adams Street to Country Club Drive. The route also includes Switchyard Park, a construction project set to finish in November 2019.
The park will feature a pavilion, stage, splash pad, playground, athletic courts and green space. It is the biggest park development project in the city’s history, both in terms of dollars and acreage, Brinson said.
“We thought this was a good opportunity to celebrate the B-Line, and then kind of look into the future at what the Switchyard Park is going to be,” Brinson said.
During the bicentennial event, people can step off the path to participate in activities, take pictures with cutouts of historical figures or learn about Bloomington’s history on signs throughout the trail.
Most businesses along the B-Line Trail were asked to participate, including Artisan Alley, Kroger and the Monroe County Convention Center. Additional organizations will have tables showcasing historical aspects of the city.
Community members can stop at the Monroe County History Center’s table to try pioneer activities such as churning butter and visiting a pioneer wagon.
The Monroe County Convention Center will showcase a 101 year-old Ford Model T in honor of the building’s history as a Ford Model T factory. The car will be accompanied by free popcorn and old-fashioned candy, said Lisa LaMarca, event coordinator for the convention center.
Meanwhile, Artisan Alley, a non profit cooperative for artists, will celebrate its fifth anniversary of its current location Saturday. Artisan Alley has had three locations, all along the B-Line Trail.
“The B-Line has been a major part of our history,” executive director Adam Nahas said.
Artisan Alley artists painted murals and installed art near the north end of the B-Line Trail as it was developing. This weekend, the organization will unveil new murals facing the trail. Their fall festival will also feature art for sale, games and food.
Bicentennial on the B-Line is the second large-scale community event requested by the Bicentennial Committee in honor of the city’s 200th year anniversary. The Bicentennial Street Fair in April was the first big event, and a third, closing celebration has not yet been scheduled.
“Come out, have fun, participate,” Brinson said. “Learn something about your community that maybe you didn’t know before.”
