Preschoolers through fifth graders, show off your artistic skills in the annual Halloween Coloring Contest! Prizes will be awarded for the top three in each age category based on a public vote. Entry deadline is October 18. 

Visit blm.mn/halloween to download the coloring sheet and entry form, and to learn more about the Trick or Treat Trail event October 30, 2-5 p.m. at Normandale Lake Park. Event and coloring contest flyers can also be picked up at either the main Information Desk or the Parks and Recreation Department service counter at Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. 

Explore all of the Colors in Nature, Saturday, October 8, 1-4 p.m. at historic Pond House. Guided by an expert naturalist from Nature Enthusiations, you'll make smash art, learn about how nature makes some of its amazing colors, and take the color challenge. This is a free program for all ages. Drop in any time during the three-hour event. 

The fishing pier near the boat launch at West Bush Lake Park has been removed due to a failing floatation assembly. It is being evaluated for repair or replacement, but because it depends on supply chain and materials availability, no date is currently set for its return. The pier further north along the path from the boat launch and the pier on the east side of the lake near Bush Lake Beach remain available for fishing.

Blood remains in low supply, but you can help change that by registering to donate at the Community Blood Drive on October 24 at Bloomington Center for the Arts. While you're thinking about signing up, here are five blood facts for you to also think about.

1, Someone needs blood every 2 seconds.
2. 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood.
3. Each donated unit is subjected to 13 tests, including 11 for infectious diseases.
4. The blood most often requested by hospitals is type O.
5. One pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Prepare to play pickleball! Open pickleball at the Bloomington Armory runs October 12 - December 30, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily. The fee is $5 per day, or $45 for a season pass. On December 31, the City of Bloomington's lease at the Bloomington Armory expires and will not be renewed. As a result, indoor pickleball organized by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will no longer occur there beyond the end of 2022. For more information, visit blm.mn/adultsports.  

Friday, October 7 at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Artistry hosts a fundraiser to help build its future. The event includes social hour and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. in the Inez Greenberg Gallery, and a benefit performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Schneider Theater. Each event ticket purchased includes dessert and two drink tickets. 100% of money raised will go towards future arts programming. For more information, visit artistrymn.org.