It's almost fall: Glow in the dark themed events this weekend in Bloomington
It's all about getting outdoors this week in Bloomington. Even the indoor activities are about being outside during what's arguably the best time of year. Fall starts in just a little over a week. Get your glow on at Switchyard Park, paddle around Lake Monroe or head to Spencer's Apple Butter Festival, or take the kids to Morgenstern Books for activities about camping. Spread out a blanket to listen to the Bloomington Community Band at Switchyard Park on Sunday.
Take part in glow-in-the-dark fun on Thursday
Kids ages 1-12 and their parents are invited to the Splash & Glow Party 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the spray pad at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. Show off your dance moves in the spray and participate in the glow-in-the-dark hunt for take-home prizes. Cost is $3 per person.
Celebrate Lake Monroe Thursday through Sept. 21
Hiking, paddling, biking and helping clean up around Lake Monroe are some of the events sponsored by Friends of Lake Monroe that begin Sept. 14 with a hike on the new trail system at Fairfax State Recreation Area. The hike is 3-5 p.m. and begins at the Bayview Shelter across from Inn of the Fourwinds. Bring water and wear appropriate footwear for the 2- to 3-mile easy hike. Bring a swimsuit and go for swim after. Registration and waiver form required: friendsoflakemonroe.org/event/guided-hike
Tours of the City of Bloomington Utilities' water plant at Lake Monroe will be 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Sunday. CBU staff will talk about the treatment process that turns lake water into drinking water and how that water is distributed. Tours last about 90 minutes, are outdoors and use stairs. Sturdy, close-toed shoes are required. For ages 5 and older. Space is limited. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/537shcme.
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A celebration of the importance of Lake Monroe will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday at Upland Brewing Wood Shop, 354 W. 11th St. The public is invited to attend and hear updates on Friends projects, bid on silent auction items and find out who won the Bloomington Photography Club photo contest. Appetizers will be provided; drinks will be available for purchase. The Friends' goal is to raise $5,000.
The final event is an adopt-a-shoreline cleanup 6-8 p.m. Sept. 21 at Paynetown State Recreation Area. Wear appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes and gloves. Clean-up supplies will be provided. Youth ages 16 and younger need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Events will be limited to 10 volunteers.
Chris Smither and Paul Cebar bring folk and blues to the Buskirk-Chumley
Experience a folk and blues journey like no other with Chris Smither performing Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Also on stage will be Paul Cebar performing his blend of folk, rhythm and blues and jazz. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 concert. Tickets are $29-$49, with a $4 service charge added on. Purchase them online at buskirkchumley.org, by calling 812-323-3020 or by stopping by the BCT box office at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
A night and day of camping-themed fun at the bookstore
At 6:30 p.m. Friday be at Morgenstern Books for family activities including a night-time bucket toss, and homemade ice cream making. There will be prizes for kids.
At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the fun for kids continues with a children’s storytime hour featuring a camp-themed book reading and a chance to make a butterfly mandala. The activities are from the new Kids' Ultimate Camping Experience book by Cosmic Creations Publishing.
More glow-in-the-dark fun Friday and Saturday
A Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt will be 8:30-10:30 p.m. Friday at Switchyard Park's picnic shelter. Cost is $4 per person. Glowing clues fall into place, leading to the grand prize. Participants of all ages are welcome to use glow sticks to the navigate paths, looking in nooks and around corners to find the clues.
Then, Saturday night from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park, 331 S. Washington St., people can enjoy a dance party with black lights, neon paint and music by DJ Angst. Cost is $6 per person. Wear white and paint yourself at the neon paint station. Free glow sticks for the first 100 people; or bring your own and light up the night.
Spencer's Apple Butter Festival is Saturday and Sunday
The 46th annual Spencer Lions Club Apple Butter Festival will be Saturday and Sunday on the square in downtown Spencer. The event will feature a variety of arts, crafts, and food vendors, kids' bounce houses, live music, car cruise-in, a parade, and more. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. To see the full Apple Butter Festival event list and learn more information, visit the Apple Butter Festival Facebook page or the website, theapplebutterfestival.com.
Enjoy a Sunday evening with Bloomington Community Band
Bloomington Community Band will perform 6-7 p.m. Sunday outdoors on the main stage in Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the free concert.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Things to do in and around Bloomington, IN this week
