BP Fourth is back again

Rumors have been flying, and Blooming Prairie Chamber Director Karen Peterson has been fielding many calls over the past month with people thinking the city’s iconic celebration, the Old Fashioned Fourth of July, is cancelled.

That’s farthest from the truth, according to Peterson.

“It’s not cancelled, and we’re bringing it back from last year,” said Peterson. “I’ve heard that rumor so many times this year. Unless it comes from my lips, it’s not true.”

Peterson stepped in as the new executive director of the Chamber a few months ago. And she’s committed to not letting Fourth of July celebrants down.

“I’m not going to let it fail,” she said. “I have enough knowledge with everything I have done over the years to make it go,” she added.

In addition to her connection with the Chamber, Peterson also points to her experience in running a cake decorating business as well as coordinating the Blooming Prairie Backpack program as evidence of being able to handle such a large celebration.

While the Chamber is committed to putting on the Fourth celebration, Peterson admits it’s not coming without some challenges. Mostly, in the form of volunteers and financial support.

“It’s not a cheap event to put on,” Peterson said. “I need to find more ways to bring in more money.”

Peterson has secured five major sponsors so far: $3,000- Cargill; $2,000- Geneva Lumber and $1,000 each from Darrick’s Auto, MBT Bank and Austin Ford-Chrysler.

But it’s still a far cry from the at least $33,000 needed to fund the entire celebration, Peterson said. She noted fireworks alone will run $14,000 this year, up substantially from last year. “Prices have increased for a variety of things,” she said. “This is a community event, and I need people to support the Fourth,” she added.

Donors for the larger amounts need to be identified by May 15 for promotional purposes while donations up to $1,000 can be made at any time prior to the Fourth, according to Peterson.

“You can help support the Fourth by coming to the event, purchasing a button or becoming a community sponsor/donor,” she said.

Fourth buttons will be on sale soon for $5. Unlike previous years, buttons will not be sold door-to-door this year. They can be purchased at participating stores in Blooming Prairie.

The Fourth also takes many volunteers. Peterson has shifts available in the beer gardens at Central Park and Victory Field.

“I just love to encourage that community spirit,” said Peterson.

The Fourth is a great time for Blooming Prairie to showcase itself as the event typically draws in people from all over the region. “This is not just a Blooming Prairie celebration,” Peterson said.

Assisting Peterson are chairpersons for various Fourth events: Suzie Bart, parade; Michelle Krohn, food concessions; Jenny Cashman, 5K; Emily and John Lurken, volleyball tournament; Jonny Kraling, tractor pull; Sue Kern and Danitra Bray, bouncy house and Jen Grovdahl, fine arts/craft fair.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Fourth can contact the Chamber office at 507-583-4472 or go to www.thebpchamber.com.

And perhaps most importantly, Peterson wants people to plan on the Fourth in Blooming Prairie.

“I encourage people to come to the events rather than leave town,” she said.

Activities begin on Sunday, July 2.