Independence Day parade to march new route

Bloomington’s annual Fourth of July parade will travel an unfamiliar route Saturday.

This year’s parade route starts at Indiana Avenue and Seventh Street. The route then turns south on College Avenue and proceeds down Kirkwood Avenue back to Indiana Avenue. Maps are available at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Web site.

Sarah Nix, facility program coordinator for Bloomington Parks and Recreation, said she hopes people will enjoy it.

Nix emphasized that this new route goes down Kirkwood Avenue and said she expects many people will watch the parade from the restaurants along the street.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and is expected to last about 1 1/2 hours.
The parade’s theme is “Get Active, Bloomington!” It will feature various groups from Bloomington and plenty of floats.

The Bloomington Community Band will play before the parade at 9 a.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse. After the parade there will be an award ceremony at the courthouse for the best floats. Other festivities after the parade ends include a performance by Bloomington band The Tides, Nix said.

Nix said she expects 7,000 to 10,000 people to watch the parade that, with its “Get Active” theme, is intended to promote community engagement.

“We wanted it to be active in all types of different ways,” Nix said. “Get active can mean physical activity or volunteering ... or meeting your neighbors.”

Last year’s parade theme was “Be Playful.”

Marching in the band will be representatives from local businesses, church groups and political organizations. The marching bands from Bloomington High School North and Bloomington High School South will be present as will as a group from IU athletics marching to promote the fall athletic schedule, Nix said.  

Bloomington Parks and Recreation has been involved with the parade for the last three years. Downtown Bloomington Inc. is also helping with the parade. The American Legion is sponsoring.

Nix said she hopes the parade will be a success and wants everyone who comes to have fun and be safe.

“We always hope for a great day on the parade ... and that everyone comes out and enjoys themselves,” Nix said.