- Now, we've got some great awards that we're going to be awarding today for the parade. We're going to
- have the best overall entry, best float, the best vehicle, the best musical entry, the best walking
- entry, and best youth entry. So six awards that we're going to be giving out, and we have some esteemed
- judges up here on the stage.
- All of these awards are going to be available at the Convention Center on Monday, July 6th. But if you
- see a float or if you see an entry that you really like, make sure to let these judges know. Be loud,
- be proud, clap and cheer for them. I want to introduce our judges who are up here on the stage today.
- We have Sue Scambillari, a wonderful downtown volunteer, a former city council member. Sue, thank you
- for helping us judge today. We have Reverend
- Jennifer Gibbs, a community resident and also volunteer here in the community. We have Brad Huguenin,
- our great downtown volunteer and Vice President of Business Lending at IU Credit Union, who is the presenting
- sponsor of today's parade. Thank you to IU Credit Union and Brad. And Liz Vital of the Monroe County Council.
- At-large member, right? Yes. At-large Monroe County Council, downtown Bloomington board member as well,
- too. Big round of applause for our judges who have some tough decisions ahead of them today, Jim. I
- just know that this is one of those experiences where you can sway the judging very, very easily. Oh,
- yeah. Cheer loudly. If those who are entries can hear, Eric and I just yet, if you supply them with
- candy or pizza or anything along those lines, it will sway the vote. I'm just telling you how it is.
- There's also, this year, because it is America 250, there is one more recognition the judges are gonna
- do. They're gonna select an honoree for the best theme of America 250. So I didn't add that in the notes,
- Eric, I apologize. So we got that coming up. And then, if you have been to the parade before, you know
- that we will have our Honor Guard, who is already standing here on the south side of the courthouse
- square. They will be doing a 21-gun salute. We will have a presentation of the American flag.
- Those who are able, we would ask that you stand for that as we do the Pledge of Allegiance. And there
- will be a playing of taps. And if you have little ones around, please try to keep them in the confines
- of the parking spaces. You see the white lines on the ground? Keep them in there. We don't want any
- kids running around trying to grab the hot shells from the guns or trying to get in with the entries
- and whatnot of the parade. So just be safe of that. We would greatly appreciate all of that.
- And when I said 1015 apparently I was a little bit off because we are actually ready to see the first
- entry come around the corner. They are rounding the corner here at beautiful Kirkwood Avenue and College
- Avenue in downtown Bloomington. Here we go. Here comes the exchange club folks.
- So the Exchange Club of Northside Bloomington is a local chapter of the National Exchange Club, a national
- service organization. They are the leaders of prevention, meaning their national project is the prevention
- of child abuse. The Exchange Club is also focused on our community, nation, youth organizations, and
- helping local children. Today we celebrate Independence Day with their Give a Kid a Flag to Wave program.
- The Exchange Club at Northside Bloomington also recently presented their Field of Honor out at Ivy Tech
- Community College in Bloomington. More than 500 flags were on display for that, and we are grateful
- for that wonderful display, and hopefully many of you had the opportunity to go and see it. Jerry Hayes
- is driving the big truck there. Lifelong Bloomington guy. Young kids, if they have the flags,
- See about snagging one of those as our scout troop makes the corner here onto Kirkwood. And just a reminder,
- Bloomington's Fourth of July Parade is brought to you today by Bloomington Parks and Recreation and
- Downtown Bloomington, Inc. The Parade Committee wishes to thank the parade's presenting sponsor, IU
- Credit Union, and the parade award sponsor, the Awards Center.
- Here are sirens coming around the corner. We appreciate our first responders here in Bloomington. Thank
- you to law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, everybody working to keep us safe. And
- Here come the scouts from Hoosier Trails Scout Council leading the way in representing Hoosier Trails
- Council Scouting America. Our scouts from various Cub Scout packs and troops in Monroe County through
- fun and engaging activities. Scouts learn citizenship, responsibility, and serving the community through
- community service projects. Cub Scout packs are comprised of boys and girls in kindergarten through
- fifth grade. The boys and girls troops, which are open,
- to ages of 11 to 17 have the opportunity to earn the highest rank of Eagle and only four to six percent
- of all Scouts reach this rank. To talk with the unit leader for more information go to beascout.org
- that's beascout.org. At this time ladies and gentlemen we're going to turn it over to our Monroe County
- Honor Guard as the Scouts present the flag. We will then do the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the
- community band performing the Star-Spangled Banner.
- Then there will be a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of taps.
- All right, please join me in doing the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
- United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible,
- with liberty and justice for all.
- Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated.
- welcome everybody to the Bloomington Fourth of July Parade. Rounding the corner is our Public Safety
- Services. We have our local police department's Bloomington Police Department. Give them a big round
- of applause. With the motorcycle leading the way, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
- Every little kid is jumping and every mom and dad is like, oh, here we go. Sheriff Ruben Marte, ladies
- and gentlemen, there's the sheriff. Ellisville Police coming up here in the white SUV. Thank you to
- our friends West of Bloomington for coming out today. Great to see our friends in Ellisville here today.
- And the IU Health Police Department.
- Give them a big round of applause. And we got the city of Bloomington fire side by side. That's cool,
- Jim. That is something that I think we all need to have a ride in at some point. I think, seriously.
- It's going to be a lot easier. The county commissioner has just passed a local
- side-by-side ordinance here, so. Mayor Carrie Thompson out here in the red and white also. Oh, she's
- got icy pops. Good to see you. Here is our Bloomington Fire Department. Our great friends, thank you
- for keeping us safe. And Ladder 25 for Monroe County coming up next here.
- with what may be the youngest co-pilot we have seen so far this morning. That's a good looking truck
- there, Jim. Are you going to be a firefighter someday? You are? Awesome! Is that truck air conditioned?
- Is it cool? OK, good deal.
- And I can hear them now, the MCCSC Parade Band coming around the corner on Kirkwood Avenue. Give these
- student musicians a big round of applause.
- The MCCSC Parade Band is sponsored by IU Credit Union and glad to see a few alumni mixed in as well
- with the band this year. Thank you Mr. Wilson and the band for joining us today for the Fourth of July
- Parade. Coming up next, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Bloomington Chapter of the National Society
- of the Daughters of American Revolution welcomes all women 18 years and older, regardless of race, religion,
- or ethnic background, who can trace their lineage to a patriot of the American Revolutionary War. Their
- chapter members represent women from all walks of life who come together to serve through their activities,
- and their mission includes historic preservation, education, and patriotism. You can join them on July
- 11th in the Monroe County Courthouse, where they will be rededicating a plaque to commemorate the 30
- Revolutionary War patriots
- buried here in Monroe County and there will be a reception to follow at the Monroe County History Center
- just a block or so east of us. All right and following the daughters is the Scottish Society of Greater
- Bloomington. Scottish Society of Greater Bloomington preserving and nurturing and appreciation of Scottish
- culture here in Monroe County and surrounding counties.
- that could only mean one thing. It's the Southern Indiana Pipes and Drums. Southern Indiana Pipes and
- Drums wants to thank all those in attendance, including all coordinators, participants, and spectators.
- This is an important day in the life of our nation and those who made us what we are today. The band
- wants to thank you all for allowing them to be a part of this special day. Hootman, be the pipes.
- There is nothing like good bagpipe music. You got to be honest. So after the parade is done,
- by the way, Mr. Spoonmore, are you going to go get yourself a fish sandwich? Hey, the Elks Club. Got
- to remind everybody for decades, the Bloomington Elks Lodge number 446 has been hosting an annual fish
- fry on the 4th of July. Fish fry is going to run from 11 a.m. to 1 30 p.m. or until they run out, which
- is highly likely.
- And that'll be in the dining room of the Lodge of 400 North Walnut Street. The Alaskan Pollock Fish
- Platter costs $15. It includes fish, fries, and slaws. Jim, you know I'm going to be there. It is one
- of the best lunches you can have on a day like this, for sure. Girl Scouts of Monroe County, give these
- young Girl Scouts a round of applause.
- fired up and ready to go. This year, the local Girl Scouts are honoring the wind beneath their wings.
- They're taking flight to celebrate eagles and other feathered friends who play important roles in the
- ecosystems and imaginations. And they wish everyone a happy 250th birthday here in the United States.
- Jim, here comes a great organization.
- Pals, the people in Animal Learning Services have been part of the Bloomington community for 26 years.
- Pals offers adaptive writing and equine assisted learning to people of all ages and abilities. This
- past year has been very challenging for Pals as they've rebuilt from the May 2025 tornado
- that destroyed the facility. They have made the theme of this year's entry in the parade gratitude.
- They're using this opportunity to share a great big thank you to the community for supporting them,
- their clients, for continuing to attend lessons, and their donors for making rebuilding possible. Give
- a big round of applause to PALS for all the great work they do in our community. So next up is our friend
- Trent Deckard.
- And I tell you, every time I share his name at the parade, his mom says, Trent, does he really know
- who you are? And the answer is yes, I really do know who Trent Deckard is. He wants to wish everyone
- a happy Fourth of July. He's been a Monroe County council member since twenty nineteen and is running
- to be your next commissioner. He also wants to encourage everyone to stop by the Elks fish fry this
- afternoon, actually later this morning and this afternoon that Eric and I were just sharing about.
- So see, Mom, I told you I know who he is.
- Good to see you, my friend. And behind, following Trent, is our Sheriff Ruben Marte. Sheriff Marte proudly
- serves the communities of Monroe County. He's seeking re-election as Sheriff of Monroe County, and he
- and his re-election team wish you all a happy Fourth of July. Got the jail commander here.
- Rounding the corner next in the white t-shirts, we have State Senator Shelley Yoder, excuse me, and
- her supporters. State Senator Shelley Yoder proudly represents the people of Monroe County and the State
- House. As the Senate minority leader, Shelley fights for freedom, fairness, and opportunity for all
- Hoosier families. Thank you all for coming out today.
- What a group. And next up, folks, is the Monroe County Democratic Party. The Monroe County Democratic
- Party is proud to stand with working people across our county, neighbors who believe in lending a hand
- and building a better future together. They are the party of folks who show up for each other, whether
- that is at the school, the job site, the farm, or down the street.
- They believe everyone deserves a fair shot, a fair wage, and a voice in the decisions that shape our
- lives. Around here, progress means community, respect, and looking out for one another. They are your
- neighbors and they are building what comes next together. Ladies and gentlemen, Monroe County Democratic Party.
- In the blue, we've got Amy Hoffman Oliver for state representative there. Hey, Jenny, how are you? Thank
- you very much. Kind of nice when it's old home week here at the parade. Prosecutor Erica Oliphant, good
- to see you. Next up in the orange and green, we have the Special Olympics Indiana Monroe County Unit.
- They provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports
- for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing opportunities to develop
- physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills
- and friendship with their families, as well as other special Olympics athletes and the community. Thank
- you all for coming out today. And next here is the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington.
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington holds the core values of justice, equity, generosity, pluralism,
- interdependence, and transformation all centered around the value of love. They are a congregation of
- diverse beliefs and backgrounds welcoming those of all identities. And here's always a crowd favorite.
- Bloomington United Gymnastics and Soccer. Look at these kids. There are some hot paint coming down on
- Kirkwood right now. We may get lucky and see some flips here. Bloomington United Gyms and Soccer is
- a locally owned sports facility offering classes for kids two years old to 18 years old in recreational
- and competitive gymnastics along with youth soccer training. Bugs is proud to have been a member of
- Bloomington's youth sports community
- for 25 years and counting, check out their camps and classes at BugsGym.com and give these Bugs Gymnasts
- a big round of applause. We're flipping down Kirkwood. I love it. The Kiwanis Club of Bloomington here
- in the Ford pickup is next. They're saluting America's 250th as well as their own 106th year here in
- Bloomington.
- Celebrating with the club is the 2026 Miss Monroe County Fair Queen, Mallory Elliott. And a special
- thanks to Community Ford for providing the vehicle used in today's parade. And next up is American Legion
- Post 18. American Legion Post 18 Legionnaire of the Year, 2026 Terry Quigley.
- And his wife, Lisa, lead the way. American Legion Post 18, whose primary duties are taking care of veterans
- and their families, wishes you all a very happy Fourth of July. Miss Indiana USA there waving everybody.
- Thank you for coming out, everyone. We have royalty. Appreciate you all. And then we've got the American
- Legion Riders also from Post 18 right behind.
- These riders of the American Legion ride for the benefit of veterans. We appreciate all of you coming
- out and joining us today in the parade. There we go. OK, the perk of the job has arrived, Eric. Oh,
- yeah. I think we're getting a special delivery. Pizza X is next. They've been bringing pizza to the
- people for 44 years in the X van.
- and e-bikes are familiar reminders of their fast and friendly service and fresh locally sourced and
- prepared ingredients that their seven locations provide to the citizens of Monroe County. Pizza X is
- part of the One World Enterprises family, which includes Hive, One World Catering, Woolery Mill, and One World
- kitchen chair. We got the young bunch here in the vintage fire truck here. The family is proud to be
- included in the celebration of the United States of America's 250th birthday. This is a 1935 fire truck
- that has been in Bloomington's Fourth of July parade for more than 50 years, originally from Orleans,
- Indiana, and was purchased by Howard Young for Fountain Park and Meadow Park Apartments. Families enjoyed
- using it for IU Homecoming parades, Hyde Park Kids Parades,
- Weddings, proms, you name it, they have done it. Young Family wishes to continue this tradition for
- generations to come and wishes everyone a happy Fourth of July. Thank you, Rodney and crew. As we have
- a little bit of a break here in the parade, I want to thank all of our sponsors again.
- Bloomington's Fourth of July Parade is brought to you today by Bloomington Parks and Recreation and
- Downtown Bloomington, Inc. The Parade Committee wishes to thank the Parade's presenting sponsor, IU
- Credit Union, and the Parade Award sponsor, The Awards Center. Two terrific Chamber of Commerce members,
- I should add, too. Always appreciate it. You pretty much ordered up Chamber of Commerce weather today.
- For the most part, slightly warm. We could turn it down a couple of degrees. It's not bad. There's no
- storms or anything. So we got to appreciate that. And here comes one of Monroe County's finest Highway
- Department vehicles. This is our Monroe County commissioners. Give the commissioners a big round of applause.
- fourth of July from the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. That's Commissioner Julie Thomas, Commissioner
- Jody Madera, and Commissioner Lee Jones.
- We've got a number of awards that we're going to be giving out to entries today. So if you have certain
- favorites or whatnot, sway these four judges up here at the judges stand, clap, cheer, whatever it takes
- to tell them which ones are your favorite entries this year. See, like this young man with the red wagon
- has got the candy. Oh, he lost a wheel. Oh, down to three wheels. Oh, my gosh. Still a long way to go
- on that parade route.
- I think we need an honorary award for this young man. We need something. Give him a nice round of applause
- for hauling the trike instead of the four wheeler. The A for effort award. Absolutely. Blue stone tree
- here in the blue and white pickup truck. They've been offering local and professional tree services
- and locally made mulch for the past 16 years. They're happy to be part of the community today and the
- Fourth of July parade.
- And next up is Domino's Pizza. Locally owned Domino's Pizza has four locations in Monroe County serving
- great food and raising funds for our community. Domino's wishes you all a happy Fourth of July. I think
- I see our first four legged entry in today's parade as well. So Domino's not only does pizza but does
- a hot dog thing as well. Is that what we got? Sorry. Bad dad jokes here. Just got to take it while it's there.
- we have pizza? Domino's is always treating the judges so well. Thank you. Do we have any banks that
- are in this year? Can we get IU Credit Union to bring some pizza? You notice the speakers, the announcers
- didn't get any pizza, but the judges do. And coming up with a big tractor trailer here, Keehee. Keehee
- is a national distributor for grocery stores, supermarkets, and online vendors. Their mission to serve
- and feed America
- is fueled by an obsession with natural and organic specialty in fresh products, because where Keehee
- goes, goodness follows. Now, when you volunteer to be in a parade, do you ever expect that you're going
- to be driving the PortaJohn? I don't know, but whoever is inside there, you get commended for the day.
- That's awesome. Master Eno, ladies and gentlemen here, Darren Lavin and his crew located out at 3704
- West Jonathan Drive, one block west of Lowe's. They're displaying their new 16 by 9 LED television,
- perfect for events as movie nights. You can watch parties, World Cup finals coming up July 19th or even
- another national championship for IU football. I saw that monitor outside the uptown the other night.
- Darren, good to see you, my friend.
- Darren, watch the stoplights up there. Might be a little bit close. And Pillar Arts is here next with
- Two Galleries in Bloomington. Pillar Arts is a cornerstone of the local art scene. This nonprofit
- organization connects, supports, and promotes the full spectrum of our creative community from painters
- and performers to arts organizations. Whether you're looking to attend a workshop, shop local artists,
- made goods, or rent space for your event, Pillar Arts is bringing creativity to the forefront
- and connecting creatives throughout Southeast Indiana. And right here in front of us is Coaches Bar
- and Grill and Hilton Garden Inn, ladies and gentlemen. Hooray for the Bar and Grill that's celebrating
- 20 years in the game. Coaches, whether you're stopping by for your first visit to IU or you're here
- to kick off a local event, they're proud to be the go-to spot right inside the Hilton Garden Inn in
- the heart of downtown up at 7th and College. And coming up next is the Bloomington Theater community.
- the show-stopping group of local theaters joining forces to celebrate Bloomington's vibrant art scene.
- Included are Constellation Stage and Screen, Blooming Arts, Eclipse Productions, Monroe County Civic
- Theater, Off Night Productions, and Stages Bloomington. Today, they're trading spotlights for sunshine
- and reminding us that in our town, theater is always center stage. With shows for all ages and interests,
- there's something for everyone. Check them out and experience the magic
- of local theater, just gyms of our community. Thank you all. Bloomington has a phenomenal arts community
- here, not only the community band we heard today, but things like what we just saw, great stuff here.
- So glad to have all of you out here today. Bloomington Refugee Support Network is next. They are an
- all-volunteer nonprofit organization.
- Over the past 10 years, RSN has helped welcome over 300 families who have fled violence in their home
- countries, including asylum seekers, refugees, and others. Our friends do not want charity. They want
- to move past trauma they've experienced, raise their children in safety, achieve financial independence,
- and contribute to the greater community. RSN's wonderful volunteers drive families to medical appointments,
- Head Start, and local schools, as well as food pantries, legal resources, and RSN can provide some financial support.
- It was Amit Ray who said, quote, Every moment we choose compassion, we move towards a better world.
- Thank you. Bloomington Refugee Support Network. All right. And looky here, Jim, I see some tiny dancers.
- Motion Arts Dance Academy is excited to bring Bloomington's own children's Nutcracker to the Busker
- Chumlee stage this December. Join Bloomington's premier center for dance training today and register
- for fall classes. The Motion Arts Dance Academy, ladies and gentlemen.
- Monroe County Fair Queen coming up next Mallory Elliott ladies and gentlemen and the first runner up
- in a nice topless Jeep. I mean a great ride today. Absolutely. Thank you ladies for coming out. And
- again a big thank you to IU Credit Union and the award center for being presenting sponsors and the
- award sponsors today for
- the parade. Thank you so much for all the support you do in our community. And now we have the Hudsucker
- policy. Lots of hula hoops. The Hudsucker policy is an inclusive flow arts group. They encourage all
- people and families to engage in healthy fitness activities through movement dance and prop manipulation.
- They feel play is essential to daily life and offer opportunities to share, grow, and learn together
- through creative movement. They welcome people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, and
- identifications. Join them this summer in Bryant Park at their Open Jams to learn and explore the wonderful
- world of flow arts. I am very afraid that if I tried one of these things, I would end up with a black
- eye. I'd be in the hospital, yes.
- But your flexibility and talent is awesome to watch and enjoy. So thank you guys for coming out. As
- the song says, let's go ride a bike, ladies and gentlemen, the Bloomington Bicycle Club coming up here
- on Kirkwood Avenue. Again, talking about the black guy, that would be me right there as well. The Bloomington
- Bicycle Club promotes safe bicycling, community and cycling awareness.
- And they welcome riders of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. You can join them to meet new
- people and enjoy fun, safe rides at a pace that works for you. The Bloomington Bicycle Club.
- BloomingtonBicycleClub.org for more information. What a group. This is a huge group. What's our youngest
- rider in here right now? How old are you right here, young man, in the purple hat?
- who's not here and exactly where I'm at five feet away. How old are you? You're eight. How old are you?
- We got seven. Anybody under seven? Six. Dang. Nice work, guys. Oh, look at here in the basket. Oh,
- back here. Oh, oh. How old is she? Ten months. OK. Under a year on training wheels, for sure. Then that's awesome.
- Thank you all for coming out. Oh, and 80-year-olds, all right. From 10 months to 80, what a group. That's
- terrific. Next up, Forbes of July since 1966. Here comes Forbes of July, three generations
- on one IU-year-old, statistically at least. One of them knows what they're doing. We just hope it's
- Jay, who turns 60 tomorrow. His wife thought everyone needed to know
- He is over the hill. I feel like that might have been a dare entry. But yeah, Peyton Shoot,
- my buddy here. RC cars salute to America. Peyton is a remote controlled car enthusiast and has always
- wanted to have several remote controlled cars in the parade. So it's his first year. If you're a remote
- control fan, join him next year. Peyton also loves all things balloons and is working on starting his
- own balloon business. We love your balloons, Peyton. Thanks for coming out, buddy.
- And here's University of Sowing in the antique vehicle. This is the University of Sowing and their 1901
- old horseless carriage. University of Sowing is located at 611 West 11th Street in the old historic
- Bender lumber building. This is Dave and Margaret's fourth year driving their delivery vehicle. Next
- up is Medicare for All Indiana Bloomington. It's important for everyone to understand the cuts are coming
- that will damage Hoosiers access to health care causing
- catastrophic pain and suffering. The bill passed last summer in Congress includes $1.2 trillion in cuts
- to health care to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Patients are already being removed from Medicaid
- in Indiana. Rural hospitals are at risk of closing. There's instability for seniors on Medicare, veterans,
- rural communities, people with disabilities, and working families. So how do you push back? You speak
- up. You vote. Your voice counts. Medicare for all is the elegant solution to protect everyone, everybody
- in, nobody out.
- And here comes Curry Auto Center. Curry Auto Center now has a mobile service unit ready to come to your
- home or work so you don't have to wait in the lobby. Nobody likes doing that. I don't like waiting in
- the lobby. I completely agree. Absolutely. Curry Auto Center 110 years in our community. Ladies and
- gentlemen, give them a big round of applause.
- All right, it would not be the Bloomington Fourth of July Parade without Beanpole, the god of pointless
- behavior, ladies and gentlemen. It's Beanpole's 30th year here in the hometown of Bloomington and in
- the Fourth of July Parade. As always, they celebrate the right to be ridiculous. Not everything has
- to make sense. Eat tar now more than ever, ladies and gentlemen.
- People, you're awesome, buddy. Oh, my gosh. This is our award. All right. We even got an award from
- people this year. This is terrific. Set that right here. I think that should qualify for a return reward.
- That's all I'm saying. Position of prominence up here on this stage. Don't drop that, Eric.
- The Lake Monroe Sailing Association is next. The Lake Monroe Sailing Association youth and adult programs
- are a fun and safe way to get introduced to the sport of sailing. The Lake Monroe Sailing Association
- has something for everybody, including a well-loved youth sailing summer program, adult sailing lessons,
- friends and family casual sailing, racing, and more. You can come sailing with the Lake Monroe Sailing
- Association this summer and fall. Check them out, LakeMunroSailing.com.
- I feel like we need Christopher Cross now in the background. Sailing. That's all you get. Kiwanis Club
- of South Central Indiana, ladies and gentlemen. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers that
- are dedicated to improving the world one child in one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of South
- Central Indiana is celebrating 20 years of service here in the Bloomington community. Joining in today's
- celebration and representing Kiwanis on their float is the Kiwanis Idol Youth
- Izzy Terry. Izzy has helped with Kiwanis initiatives and has represented Kiwanis in Bloomington, as
- well as neighboring counties. And you can be sure to follow SCI Kiwanis on Facebook to learn more, help
- Kiwanis, help kids. Hey, Vanessa, how are you? Vanessa, in the jeep, in the air conditioning.
- And coming around the corner here on beautiful Kirkwood Avenue is a friendly face to Monroe County residents.
- We have State Representative Dave Hall. State Representative Dave Hall has proudly served the residents
- of House District 62 for the past four years. He's honored to be your voice at the State House working
- across the aisle to deliver results for our community. Dave has been a strong advocate for protecting
- property owners from involuntary
- annexation, fighting for personal property rights, and supporting animal warfare. There's the representative
- right there. How you doing, Dave? We got like a smoke thing going on with Blooming Labs coming up here next.
- Whether you're a DIY dynamo or just curious about how stuff works, Blooming Labs, which is Bloomington's
- very own makerspace, is a place to ignite your creativity and curiosity. If you've ever taken something
- apart just to see how it works, want to work with your child or build and create the next big thing,
- from woodworking to welding, crafting to coding, 3D printing to programming, circuits to carpentry,
- Blooming Labs is where makers are made. Join them every Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for public nights,
- Bloominglabs.org to learn more. What are those things called? Smoke cannon. Okay. Easier than I thought
- it would be. So that's kind of cool, man. Thank you. A little smoke cannon. And I can't believe we're
- already on entry 41 here with Service Master coming around the corner. And Service Master, they know
- all about mitigation, restoration, and remediation work, but they also do carpet cleaning, general cleaning,
- and disposal services.
- They are in the business of helping people, and yes, generally speaking, they do it all. Give a big
- round of applause to Service Master, our friends over there.
- Don't forget, everybody, once the parade ends this morning around 11 o'clock, you can make your way
- up to the Bloomington Elks. They're around 8th and Walnut Street. Fish fries going on starting at 11 a.m.
- until they run out or until 1 30. And it is one of the best meals you can get on July 4th. So please
- go check it out. The wonderful organization that supports a variety of causes here in Bloomington and
- Monroe County. And look at this one, folks. Totally fresh.
- Totally Fresh is proud to offer trash tote and dumpster cleaning services to the community with their
- specialized cleaning truck, which is impressive. They're able to clean, sanitize, and deodorize your
- bins in an eco-friendly way. Keeping your totes fresh keeps our neighborhoods cleaner. And it keeps
- the bugs away too. I like that. And the smells. We don't like those smells. We like the bubbles though.
- Nice work.
- Bird Dog Vintage and Vinyl, ladies and gentlemen. It's a family-run business here in Bloomington,
- specializing in vinyl records, antiques, musical items, and much more. If you're looking to clean out
- an estate, Bird Dog is always purchasing collections, estates, and salvage. Call them at 317-670-1157
- for more info. You gotta love physical media. Always good stuff. Here comes Windfall Dancers. Windfall
- Dancers ignites a passion for dance in the community through high quality,
- Inclusive dance classes for all ages, a semi-professional dance company, and a rental space for movement
- and community groups. Check them out at windfalldancers.org. Give us another honk there. There we go.
- Right behind Windfall, we have District 9, Bloomington 50501. Excuse me, 5051.
- District 9 Bloomington 50-51 is part of the nationwide grassroots effort, uniting all 50 states in protest
- under fascism and threats to our democracy. Join them to stay informed, organize, and take action. And
- on this Fourth of July, we ask that you actively engage in efforts to stop executive overreach, call
- out injustice, and defend the Constitution. Stop corruption and government abuses, abolish ICE, close
- the death camps, tax the rich, save voting rights, stop surveying U.S. citizens, and end the war.
- Stop funding genocide and other war crimes. District 5051, ladies and gentlemen.
- Hey, don't forget the judges there. And now, here comes Culver's of Bloomington. Culver's of Bloomington,
- welcome to Delicious. Known for their famous butterburgers and Wisconsin cheese curds is Culver's.
- Proudly owned and operated by former IU basketball star John Laskowski. Scoopy unfortunately couldn't
- be here this year, but he sent plenty of coupons for people to try the delicious, fresh, frozen custard.
- And I see him already passing those coupons out to the judges. Wow. And one of the best places to stop
- and get a pup cup as well, I might add.
- I go to Culver's about four times a week, Jim. I don't know about you. You're swaying the judges there,
- Eric. I see what you're doing. Gulch City Dog and Pony Show, ladies and gentlemen. Bloomington's original
- punk band, Gulch City Dog and Pony Circus is and forevermore shall be. Thank you guys for coming out today.
- And coming up next, here comes Riverway Plumbing and Mechanical. Riverway Plumbing and Mechanical, locally
- owned and here for all your plumbing and HVAC needs 24-7. They'll match competitors' prices too. Call
- Riverway today. Another four-legged co-pilot in there, I see.
- 4th of July from Fowler Pumpkin Patch. Ladies and gentlemen, Fowler Pumpkin Patch is reopening for their
- fall season on September 19th, and it's a great place to make memories with your family and friends.
- They've got a corn maze, flowers, kids activities, hayrides, a beer garden, music frequently out there.
- Check them out on Bloomington's Westside or online. FowlerPumpkinPatch.com. Glad to see you guys out
- here today. One of our favorite family traditions going down to Fowler's for the Pumpkin Patch fall.
- Good to see you guys.
- little break in the action here. Thanks again to IU Credit Union and the Awards Center for their generous
- sponsorship of today's event. The Bloomington Fourth of July Parade is also brought to you today by
- Bloomington Parks and Recreation and Downtown Bloomington, Inc.
- Thanks again also to our judges here today. They've got a tough job to figure out which of our entries
- today are going to be awarded. We'll be announcing those here in just a little bit. Once we've got that
- tallied and then the honorees will be able to pick up their awards next week at the Bloomington Convention
- Center. I'm looking at their notes here and there is a lot going on. They've got some big decisions
- coming up. Brad brought a spreadsheet. Let's just be honest.
- Anytime Fitness is up next. They're located by the College Mall and offer personalized coaching services
- to reach your goals. Members have 24-7 global access to more than 5,800 Anytime Fitness gyms, and they
- can't wait to help you reach your goals. And here comes the City of Bloomington Sanitation to clean
- up after this wonderful parade that we've had today.
- Thank you to our great city workers for the work they do to keep Bloomington nice and clean. So that's
- going to wrap up the Fourth of July Parade, ladies and gentlemen. Give everybody a round of applause.
- So fireworks tonight out in Ellisville. And what else is happening over the weekend, Eric? Anything
- you've got? Well, I think right now it's fish fry time. Oh, yes.
- Head on over to Bloomington Elske Lodge number 446 for the Fourth of July Fish Fry, one of the great
- long-standing traditions on the Fourth of July in Bloomington. Thanks again to the Bloomington Community
- Band for being part of our annual tradition here at the Fourth of July Parade. Thank you to Downtown
- Bloomington, Inc. and the City of Bloomington Parks and Rec for making all of this happen.
- Have a wonderful Fourth of July, everybody. Thanks for coming out today. Yep. Have a good one. Be safe,
- everybody.