The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department and Downtown Bloomington, Inc. will conduct the annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. next Monday morning. To start the event, at 8:30 a.m. the Bloomington Community Band will perform in the Courthouse Square.
At 9 a.m., the Monroe County Commissioners are leading the dedication ceremony for the Alexander Memorial on the southeast side of the Courthouse.
The Alexander Memorial is over 90 years old and honors local veterans.
For more information about the parade schedule, participants and map, click here.
Bill Ream, the community events coordinator with the Parks and Recreation Department, said the path is different from previous years, but that the City has hosted the event for about 15 years. Before then, veteran groups held parades for several years in the area.
In 2020, the parade was canceled due to concerns about the pandemic. He said that in 2021, the Parks & Recreation held a reverse parade in which 25-30 floats were parked in the IU Stadium for cars to drive around.
As of now, he said there are 56 regular entries for floats, emergency vehicles and two groups that will enter the parade first to hand out flags to children.
Ream said it’s an eclectic but fun lineup of groups and parades. He said the American Legion will feature veterans and motorcycles, Jackson Creek Middle School has cheerleaders performing and other groups like the MotionArts Dance Academy will also present.
“My favorite part about planning is getting all the groups together and seeing what they come up with,” Ream said. “There are always elaborate floats and some simple ones, but the purpose brings us all together and everyone gets excited.”
Overall, he said the event will probably take 45 minutes to an hour. He also said they will close the streets by 8 a.m. that day, and visitors should be careful in finding places to park and view the parade.
“We are hoping to bring some happiness and enjoyment to the people in this community,” Ream said. “We really want everyone to come out and celebrate this holiday and the local community with us.”
Another event on July 4 is the annual Bloomington Elks 4th of July Fish Fry. Visit Bloomington said the fish fry is at the Lodge, 400 N. Walnut Street at 11 a.m., after the parade. The post said parking will be limited, but people can bring chairs for outdoor seating. The fry will have fish platters, fish sandwiches, and other assorted foods and beverages. Visit Bloomington said the event proceeds will be donated to the local Elks Veterans Services.
Ream said the City of Bloomington will not host any firework events, but residents can view other displays within the area.
According to a Herald-Times article, the Monroe County Fair commenced its fairground events with a free firework display on June 24 at 6 p.m. The fair will be open through Sunday, July 3. Residents can enjoy a rodeo, carnival rides, the demolition derby and more.
The article also said that Ellettsville will have a firework display on July 2 at dusk. Visit Bloomington said in a post that the fireworks are being launched from the Edgewood High School Cross Country area behind the school, and admission is free.
There will also be a Red, White, and BOOM event at Grace Baptist Church and Fireworks for Freedom at Emmanuel Church, according to Visit Bloomington. Both events are free admission and are scheduled for Sunday, July 3.
Red, White, and BOOM starts at 6 p.m and also has bounce houses, games and hotdogs. The celebration at Emmanuel Church starts at 6:30 p.m. and has hamburgers, volleyball and various lawn games. The article recommends visitors bring side dishes and lawn chairs or blankets.
Another firework show will take place at Lake Lemon’s Riddle Point Park. Visit Bloomington said in the announcement that the beach will close for public use after four, but that the show starts at dusk and admission costs $20 per car. The proceeds will go to the Lake Lemon Conservancy Fund.
