July Fourth activities for Bloomington residents

As Bloomington residents prepare for their July Fourth activities, the traditional fireworks display will not be taking place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds this year.

In prior years, it had taken place near the IU athletic stadiums instead of the fairgrounds, but this year it will not take place at all.

The high cost and lack of funding were cited as the main reasons for not organizing a fireworks display this year. AMVETS sponsored the fireworks display until 2011 when PyroSmith Pyrotechnics took over for the 2012 show.

Neither the city nor these other private organizations could fund the fireworks display this year, but there will be other events and displays in the Bloomington area for people to enjoy this year — either on, before or after July 4.

SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Free celebration and fireworks show July 3 at the church at 500 E. Empire Mill Road. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with live music from local bands, games and free hot dog sand as sloppy joes. The fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

EASTERN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
There will be a free fireworks display at 10 p.m. July 3 at the Eastern Fire Station in Solsberry, Ind., and festivities include live music, face painting and food for sale.

BROWN COUNTY
The Brown County Lions Club will have a free fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. July 4 at Brown County High School. People can sit in the football stands and enjoy the show. Donations will be accepted.

ELLETTSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Ellettsville, Ind., Fire Department will sponsor a fireworks display at dark  July 4 at the Edgewood High School football field. This event is free, but people are asked to make donations.

BLOOMINGTON JULY FOURTH PARADE
Though there will not be an annual fireworks display this year because of high costs, the Bloomington July Fourth Parade will still take place.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 and parade awards will be handed out at 11:15 a.m. immediately following the parade.

Also, Bloomington Community Band will play at 9 a.m. on the courthouse lawn.

FAIRFAX STATE RECREATION AREA
The Four Winds Resort and Marina will put on its annual fireworks display July 6 at dusk. Attendees are asked to arrive early.

JOHNNY JUNXION
There will be a fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. July 6 in a large field behind the Johnny Junxion’s BP Gas Station in Judah, north of Bedford, Ind. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks will be preceded with several live bands from 8:45 p.m. until the start of the fireworks.