Event

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Trades & Labor Fest 2022

To highlight industry and industriousness in McLean County—both past and present—the Museum, in partnership with the Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO), and Livingston & McLean Counties Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO), is inviting local businesses, unions, trades people, skilled workers, and artisans to showcase their skills and the services they provide to our community as part of an interactive Trades & Labor Fest 2022 on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (weather permitting). This event is free and open to the public.

Trades & Labor Fest 2022 will take place on the Museum Square in Downtown Bloomington (200 block of North Center Street, the 100 block of West Jefferson Street, and 200 block of North Main Street). Participating businesses/trades will offer thematic activities for attendees to observe and try for themselves. Visit the Museum’s booth to pick up a map complete with information about participating businesses/trades. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to go inside the Museum to explore the Museum’s permanent exhibit Challenges, Choices, and Change: Working for a Living, to learn more about McLean County’s local labor history.

Festival activities will include the following:

Bloomington Public Library will have a history of the Bookmobile in pictures, Library Expansion plans, kids Bookmobile crafts (Bookmobile origami & coloring page), prizes, and other giveaways too!

Bloomington Police Department will have a squad car and information about BPD.

City of Bloomington ECD will have information about the Farmers’ Market and children’s activities.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99 will have information about area standard wages and benefits of being part of the Local 99 .

Dreams are Possible will have information about classes and have tools (both modern and historic) for people to try out!

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (Local Lodge 1000) IAM District 8 will have information and a City of Bloomington Water Department backhoe and cutout fire hydrant.

The Massage Spot will have various independent massage therapists demonstrating stretches.

First Student will be bringing one of their school buses, have information about employment opportunities, learn what it is like to be a bus driver, and giveaways and treats.

Carpenters Local 237 will be building kids’ wooden tool boxes.

Meltdown Creative Works will be doing live screen printing and the opportunity for people to try and print a design themselves!

Bloomington-Normal JATC will have information about Electrical Apprenticeships and work in the electrical industry with a hands on activity.

Illinois Laborers’ & Contractors JATP will have GPS & surveying, Virtual Reality goggles, and laborers work simulation.

Black Nurses Association of Central Illinois will have blood pressure checks, anatomy torsos with questions for younger participants, and educational health information for all.

Check back regularly as more businesses and activities continue to be added!

Free parking will be available at the Lincoln Parking Deck located on Front Street. For more information about this free public program, please contact the Museum’s Education Department at education@mchistory.org or 309-827-0428.

Exhibit-related Program

Date/Time

Saturday, April 30, 2022
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Location

Museum Square block of N. Center to 100 block of W. Jefferson to 200 block of N. Main Bloomington IL 61701
https://www.mchistory.org/

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