Latest news with #CommunityEvents
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Help out at Bug Fest, 'Alice's Adventure in Wonderland' or Lotus Fest
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network provides information about local volunteer opportunities. For a complete listing, visit or call 812-349-3433. The inclusion of an organization in this list does not imply City endorsement or support of the organization's activities or policies. Information and registration links for the following opportunities can be found at Bug Fest Help visitors learn all about amazing insects at the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation's annual Bug Fest on Saturday, Sept.13. Volunteers 16 years and older are needed to help with the Welcome Table, Games/Activities, Crafts, Toddler Area, and as Floaters during the event. Bug Fest provides various crafts and activities related to all things insect, and visitors can complete the Bug Fest passport challenge for the chance to win a prize. Parks and Recreation is also hosting a Bug Fest food drive for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and encourages guests to bring a canned fruit and/or vegetable donation. On-site training provided. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an Underage Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or guardian. Available shifts: Saturday, Sept. 13 9 a.m. to noon 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location: Karst Farm Park, 2450 S. Endwright Road, Bloomington, IN 47403 Learn more and sign up today: Emily Buuck at Usher — Alice's Adventure in Wonderland Volunteer ushers are needed for Monroe County Civic Theater's (MCCT) production of "Alice's Adventure in Wonderland." Volunteers 16 years and older are welcome; this is a wheelchair accessible opportunity. Ushers are welcome to stay and see the performance for free on the day of their volunteer shift. Available shifts: Sept. 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, from 6 to 9 p.m Sept. 14, 21, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Location:The Constellation Playhouse, 107 W. Ninth St., Bloomington, IN 47404 Learn more and sign up: info@ 2025 Lotus Fest volunteer call out Lotus Fest brings performers from around the globe to the Bloomington community to share their music, art, and culture with audiences and participants of all ages. Lotus Education and Arts Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization, meaning that all activities are enabled by volunteers who share a passion for their mission. The 2025 Lotus Fest volunteer application is now open and ready for the season. Volunteers must register by Sept. 13. This year, Lotus Fest will be Sept. 25-28. Learn more and find their sign-up link: Todd Riggins, Lotus Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@ Wish List Spotlight: Pantry 279 Wish List Pantry 279 has grown to become one of the largest food pantries in the region. What began as a small initiative has flourished into a comprehensive support system, feeding upwards of 9,000 people a month. Donations support those facing food insecurity across 36 counties, primarily serving Monroe, Owen, Greene and Lawrence counties. Donations address: 3609 Ind. 46, Bloomington (in Smith Pike Plaza between Urban Air and El Ranchero). Donation boxes are also located around the back if donations are made during off-hours Donation hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: Cindy Chavez at 812-606-1524, or pantry279@ Featured wishes: canned goods cereals or oatmeal granola bars baking staples like flour, sugar, spices, and oils fresh produce vegan/gluten-free foods And more View Wish List: You can also find year-round in-kind donation needs on the Community Wish List at This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Volunteer Bug Fest Alice's Adventure in Wonderland Lotus Festival Solve the daily Crossword
Chicago Tribune
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Despite planning challenges, officials count Aurora fireworks show a success
Undeterred by the closure of RiverEdge Park, thousands filled parks and parking lots near downtown Aurora last Friday night to watch fireworks whiz, bang and boom over the Fox River. The annual Independence Day fireworks show put on by the city of Aurora typically uses RiverEdge Park as one of its official viewing spots, but the park is closed for renovations this year, which made planning for the event more difficult, Aurora Director of Community Events Mike Nelson told The Beacon-News. However, despite the planning challenges, Nelson considers the fireworks show a success. 'Kids and families loved it, so that to me is just a win,' he said. In place of RiverEdge Park, the city closed down the Aurora Transportation Center's parking lot to use as one of two official viewing locations. City staff weren't sure what kind of turnout to expect since that lot is where people typically park for the fireworks show, but Nelson said he was happy to see about 2,500 people in attendance. Nelson was also happy to learn that the other official fireworks viewing spot, McCullough Park, saw 5,000 attendees. That's roughly double the amount of people who typically watch the fireworks show at the park, he said. On Friday evening, before the show began, adults could be seen lounging on lawn chairs or picnic blankets across McCullough Park's lawn while children ran around and played, some trying to catch fireflies that lit up like miniature versions of the fireworks to come. Nelson said that city staff had a feeling more people would show up to the park this year, so they 'simplified' operations by not putting up the typical inflatables and other activities for kids. 'I'm so glad we did because we had an overwhelming number of guests there,' he said. People also found other, unofficial spots to watch the fireworks. Nelson said Northgate shopping center's parking lot also filled up with those looking to see the show. 'Even when you throw a big curveball like shutting down the train station parking lot and eliminating that source of parking, Aurorans still show up,' he said. 'They love the Fourth. They love the fireworks.' Those fireworks this year cost around $46,000, according to Nelson. The city has been working with fireworks company Pyrotechnico for over a decade, he said, and it is currently at the start of a new three-year contract with them. Planning for the annual Independence Day fireworks show, which Nelson called one of the greatest around, starts at the very beginning of January, he said. Both the fireworks and the Fourth of July parade are planned at the same time, he said, since it is sort of like one event spread across two days. The two Independence Day celebrations take place on different days for manpower reasons, according to Nelson. 'Each event takes so much in terms of resources and whatnot, and it's just gotten too complex for us to be able to pull both off in one day,' he said. It took 'an incredible amount of city staff and resources' to pull off the switch from RiverEdge Park to the Aurora Transportation Center's parking lot as an official fireworks viewing location, Nelson said, especially since it contains a Metra stop that is very busy. It was a big operation to inform Metra riders, work with Metra and work with various city divisions to get the parking lot cleared and shut down appropriately and safely, he said. On the night of the fireworks, both official viewing locations had food trucks and DJs who played a special soundtrack created to accompany the show. But there were many more people working that night. Nelson said around 50 police officers were on-duty, as were other city employees, including the six people on his own team, maintenance crews, the train station team, the communications team and staff from the mayor's office. When asked how much more difficult planning for the fireworks show was this year compared to past years when RiverEdge Park was open, Nelson called it a 'night and day' difference both because they were inconveniencing Metra riders and because they were basically removing their main source of parking for the event. To help with the parking issue, the city this year beefed up the event's shuttle ride service and pushed that service in messaging about the fireworks show, he said. Change might be hard, Nelson said, but 'you pull it off no matter what.' However, he is looking forward to next year, with RiverEdge Park renovated and able to hold even more people than it did in years past. 'I can only imagine how awesome its going to be,' he said. Just days after the Independence Day celebrations, Nelson's team is already on to the next project: planning for the holidays. He said on Monday that all the chaos of planning for those events was set to begin the very next day at 10 a.m.
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
iHeartRadio Weekenders: July 4, 2025
Ottawa Watch Events in Ottawa this weekend: RBC Summer Tournament, Ottawa on Tap Beerfest and the Fetch Local Night Market.
CTV News
22-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Assiniboine Park hosts Indigenous Peoples Day events despite rain
Assiniboine Park hosted several events and activities to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday. (Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg) The threat of rain showers and thunderstorms didn't stop Assiniboine Park from celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. Inclement weather forced Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) to move several events and activities indoors including powwow demonstrations and beading workshops. 'Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous Peoples Month is a really important time for us,' Joy Balmana, APC's director of community and special events, told CTV News Winnipeg. 'We need to recognize our histories and also how to move forward. And artistry is a part of that. Joy is a part of that.' Other parts of the afternoon-long celebration – including food trucks and bouncy castles – were cancelled because of the weather. However, Balmana said there are plenty of other events happening at the park this summer including Canada Day celebrations. 'We're really encouraging people to come see our free music, entertainment, our wellness programming, our movies — all free, here at the park all summer long,' said Balmana.
CTV News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
iHeartRadio Weekenders: June 6, 2026
Events in Ottawa this weekend: Firefighter Day at the Cumberland Heritage Museum, Orleans Craft Beer Festival, and Guitars and Gasoline Festival.
