City seeks July 4 parade entries

Only four days remain until the June 14 deadline to enter Bloomington’s Fourth of July
Parade.

This year’s parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. July 4, is themed “Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue.”

“This year we are just trying to show everyone’s patriotism,” Community Events Coordinator with the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department Bill Ream said.
 
“A lot of people this year have American flags and other patriotic décor for their entries.”

Floats, bands, musical groups, walking and equestrian groups, classic cars and other entries that demonstrate patriotism and support for America’s colors are encouraged to participate in the parade.

Entry fees to participate in the parade are $20. Registration is limited to the first 100 applicants.

“We anticipate 70 to 80 applicants this year, but we are only at about half right now,” Ream said. “Last year, we had roughly 90 entries.”

Ream said the city is especially interested in music acts this year such as bands, drum lines and other types of musical performers.

“Live music brings a new dimension of fun to any event,” Ream said. “We definitely want to add that excitement to the parade.”

This annual Fourth of July event will begin with a concert by the Bloomington Community Band on the courthouse lawn at 9 a.m. The Bloomington Community Band is considered a part of the big band music genre accompanied by rhythm and brass.

Other musical performers to look for include MCCSC High School Parade Band, Prieboy, a family of percussionists and the Southern Indiana Pipe and Drums.

Bloomington Old Time Music and Dance Group, a new addition to the festivities this year, will also perform.

The parade will begin at the corner of Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue, march west to Walnut Street, north to Eight Street, west to College Avenue, south to Kirkwood Avenue and continue east on Kirkwood Avenue, ending at the Sample Gates.

An awards ceremony will be held following the parade at 11:15 a.m. on the courthouse square. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Youth Entry, Best Equestrian Entry, Best Musical Entry, Best Overall Entry, Most Creative Use of Theme, Best Vehicle, Best Float and Best Walking Entry.

Last year’s winners include Best Overall Entry to Gerry Stieglitz for his American Heroes veteran float, Best Walking Entry to Cardinal Stage and Best Float to Stafford Music Academy.

Registration materials and complete parade rules can be obtained from the Parks and Recreation Web site at www.bloomington.in.gov/parks or by contacting Ream by phone at (812)-349-3748 or by email at reamw@bloomington.in.gov.

“This last week is typically when I get the biggest rush of entries,” Ream said. “We still have plenty of room for whomever wants to be a part of the festivities.”

— Samantha Felix