Bloomington’s annual 4th of July celebration dampened

Ponchos, galoshes and umbrellas abounded Friday morning as Bloomington’s annual Fourth of July parade marched through downtown to kickoff the festivities surrounding America’s 232nd birthday. \nA rain storm just short of a torrential downpour wasn’t enough to postpone the event, which featured area churches, politicians, businesses and other organizations.\n“I didn’t want to be a sunshine patriot,” said Jeane Novotny. “I figured the rain will be a little while, and I’ve got an umbrella.”\nEven if the rain were enough to scare some potential parade-goers away, many participating in the event didn’t let the showers affect their mood. Heads were held high under ponchos and umbrellas, and some decided to go without any rain gear, instead as sopping wet hair dripped in their eyes and soaked T-shirts clung to their bodies.\n“It looked like they were having fun with it,” said Bloomington resident Jim Gordillo with his wife and three children after the parade.\n“They made the best of it,” his wife Tracy said.\nSome who attended found shelter beneath the awnings of restaurants and shops lining Walnut Street. Others, like Mary Ann Martin and her three children, were able to find an alcove of the courthouse that was both dry and had a perfect view of the parade.\nTheir location put them in a prime spot to take part in the Monroe County Courthouse’s 100th birthday celebration, which took place immediately following the parade. Chocolate and white cake was available, free to the public, and The Kookamongas took the stage on the courthouse lawn to perform a free concert.\nMary Ann’s son Peter smiled after just finishing his piece of cake, revealing teeth and tongue died blue from the icing.\n“Yes, they enjoyed the cake,” she said. “Now it’s all over them.”\nSome who attended the parade, like the Moore family, also planned to stop by the AMVETS fireworks display, which started around 10 p.m. at IU Memorial Stadium later that night.\n“We’ll have to use a blow-dryer for our chairs,” said Christy Moore as they packed up their lawn chairs after the parade. Her daughter Courtney, 9, had to dump a whole puddle out of the seat before folding it up.\nFortunately, most of the rain subsided just after the parade finished, allowing the fireworks display at the stadium to go on later that evening as planned. Other displays weren’t quite as fortunate, like the fireworks at Bloomington Speedway, which were rescheduled for this Friday night. \nEven if the rain did put a damper on the festivities it didn’t affect the spirits of many.\n“They got it done with a smile on their face,” Moore said. “If they can put it on, we can come and watch it.”