Bloomington parade canceled, fireworks still planned at Lake Monroe for 4th of July

Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. June 27 to correct the Red, White and Boom event will have food trucks. This story was updated at 8 a.m. July 4 to report the Bloomington Fourth of July parade is canceled.

Soon the air will be filled with the smell of burgers on the grill and the sky with red-white-and-blue blazes.

The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, but the opportunity to see fireworks starts this weekend. Here's where you can see fireworks and have a blast with your friends and family.

June 28: Monroe County Fairgrounds kickoff

The Monroe County Fairgrounds is offering donation-only admission to see its fireworks show June 28. Attendees can enter at Gate 3 beginning at 6 p.m. to enjoy food vendors and a classic car cruise-in.

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The event also will have live music at 8 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to fully enjoy this fair kickoff event. 

June 30: “Red, White and BOOM!” at Grace Baptist Church

Grace Baptist Academy will host “Red, White and BOOM!,” food trucks with games, inflatables and fireworks at dusk on June 30. The free event begins at 7 p.m. at the church.

July 4: Bloomington Fourth of July Parade canceled, fireworks at Lake Monroe

The 9 a.m. performance from the Bloomington Community Band on the Monroe County Courthouse lawn and 10 a.m. parade have been canceled.  A list of parade participants can be viewed at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/fourth-of-july-parade.

You can still end the day with fireworks on Lake Monroe. Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina will once again host a fireworks viewing opportunity at dusk, rain or shine, with the only cost being the Department of Natural Resources entrance fee of $7 per vehicle. Arrive early to secure a spot.

July 5: Emmanuel Church, Lake Lemon and Owen County

Enjoy food trucks, fireworks, cornhole, yard games, bounce houses and music at Emmanuel Church’s Independence Day Community Celebration at 6 p.m. July 5. At 7 p.m. attendees can grab free ice cream while supplies last. Fireworks begin at dusk. 

A pricier Friday fireworks option is the annual Lake Lemon Riddle Point Park show, which will take place at dusk on July 5. Attendees can view the show from the park or in a boat on the lake. Entrance begins at 4 p.m. for $25 per vehicle or vessel. The event will also offer food trucks with food for purchase. 

Those who choose to view the fireworks from outside the park are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to the Lake Lemon Enhancement Fund at https://tinyurl.com/bde429u8.

Owen County will also set off fireworks at 9 p.m. July 5. A list of parking locations is available at myowencountychamber.com/events-1/owen-county-firework-display.

July 6: Fireworks over Ellettsville

Ellettsville will host its fireworks celebration at 3 p.m. July 6 near Edgewood High School’s cross country and tennis courts. The event is free, though donations are accepted. If it rains, the event will be rescheduled for July 13.

Reach Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com.