Board approves Fourth of July parade partnership and rental contracts for July and holiday market
Summary
The board approved a 50/50 partnership with Downtown Bloomington Inc. for the July 4 parade and a rental services agreement with Southside Rental not to exceed $5,600 for equipment used at the parade and the holiday market; staff described a weather delay plan coordinated with BPD and public works.
The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners approved a renewal of the partnership with Downtown Bloomington Inc. to present the city’s Fourth of July parade and also approved a service agreement with Southside Rental for tents, stages, tables and chairs for the parade and the holiday market.
Leslie Brinson, recreation services general manager, said the DBI partnership is a 50/50 revenue split — after direct expenses are deducted — and marks the 17th year of the collaboration. “The parade is Friday, July 4 … starting at 10 a.m. with a performance from the community band at 9 a.m. on the courthouse lawn,” Brinson said; applications for parade entries were available online.
Brinson said staff coordinated with Bloomington Police Department and public works on a weather plan that would delay the parade two to four hours, if necessary, rather than rescheduling on another day because of street‑closure logistics. The board then approved the partnership agreement by voice vote.
Staff also recommended a services agreement with Southside Rental for equipment rental not to exceed $5,600, to be funded from community events accounts. Brinson explained direct event expenses (for example, tents and porta‑potties) are removed first and remaining net revenue is split 50/50 with DBI. The board approved the contract by voice vote.
Staff said Southside Rental has provided similar services for the city for several years and will support both the July parade and a holiday market after Thanksgiving.
