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.