See how food was prepared in an open-hearth kitchen at the historic Pond House long before today’s ovens and microwaves. 

Compare early 19th century cookware to what you have in your own kitchen, sample a modern version of what is baking on the hearth, and take a Pond family recipe with you to try at home. 

Free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Look through a stereoscope at dozens of 19th century photos to see the world in VR as the Pond family saw it. Then make your own thaumatrope to take home. 

Behold the optical illusion of superimposed images that intrigued families in the 1800s.

Free program for all ages. Materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

While you're there, ask about Pond House tours. 

Follow Bloomington Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Learn to lucet, spool knit, and finger knit - creative ways Minnesota pioneers made square and round cords without needles. 

Make your own to take home and see examples of how to use your knitted cords! 

Free program. All materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Call for Exhibitors

Registration deadline: February 6, 2026

The City of Bloomington and Bloomington Public Schools’ Early Learning at Washburn are hosting an Early Childhood Expo for parents and caregivers of children ages 5 and under. Exhibitor space is limited so early registration is encouraged.

What to Expect

The Early Childhood Expo brings together families eager to learn about resources, programs, and services that support children’s early learning and healthy development. As an exhibitor, you’ll have the chance to share information, connect directly with parents and caregivers, and build relationships with other organizations serving young families.

Accessibility and Inclusion

To create a welcoming experience for families with children who are sensory-sensitive, the first hour of the event (10-11 a.m.) will be low noise. We also ask all exhibitors to refrain from wearing perfume or scented lotion. 

Selection

Those organizations chosen by the event planning team, and whose products and/or services support the criteria listed below will be invited to participate in the Early Childhood Expo. Participation will be evaluated using the following:

  Criteria:

1. Ability of the organization to communicate meaningful information relevant to the event’s focus on supporting families with children ages 5 and under.
2. Timeliness of the organization’s request to participate.
3. Ability to provide proof of licensure or insurance upon request.
4. Due to space constraints, not all groups that register for a booth can be accepted. You will be notified by Monday, February 16, 2025, via email.

   Restrictions:

1. This is an exhibition event and not a fundraising event. The booth cannot be used primarily for fundraising purposes.   
2. Participation is limited to organizations that further or promote the event’s purpose. Participation is permitted on an invitation only basis.
3. The organization’s mission, purpose and actions must be in harmony with the event’s focus on offering support, services and/or resources for parents and caregivers with children ages 5 and under.
4. The participant must not use the City’s and the Bloomington Public Schools’ logos or state that the City or Bloomington Public Schools endorses its services without the City’s and the Bloomington Public Schools’ advanced written approval. Selection to participate in the event should not be construed as an endorsement of or sponsorship by the City and the Bloomington Public Schools of the organization, its products or services. 

Exhibitor Registration Form

Feel the fall spirit! Join a University of Minnesota master gardener for a presentation about bringing natural elements indoors for fall décor. 

• Free program. Registration required online at Webtrac.  
• Limited to a maximum of 30 participants.

Questions? 

• Call: 952-563-4944 or MN Relay 711
• Email: parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov. 

How does a Black American woman find the freedom to compose music for the concert hall in an era when doing so seemed impossible? 

How does a British composer avoid the incoming shells of a cruel foreign regime and write a solo concerto with a peaceful quality for the most pastoral of instruments? 

Can a Czech composer find a way to show his gratitude through a piece of music and still retain his personal and distinctive style?

The BSO will do its best to answer these questions as it plays Florence Price's Concert Overture No. 1 based on the spiritual, “Sinner, Please Don’t Let This Harvest Pass,” and the Symphony No. 8 in G Major by Antonín Dvořák. In between, the BSO will send principal oboist Megan Werner to the soloist’s spotlight for Ralph Vaughan Williams's Concerto for Oboe and Strings. 

Hear how music always finds its way through times of enigma to bring forth joy!

• In Advance: Premium $26.43 | Adult $20.21 | Senior (62+) $17.10
• At The Door: Adult $22.28 | Senior (62+) $19.17
• Students: Free

All fees included. 

Presented as part of the Bloomington Center for the Arts Performance Series. 

Learn various aspects of the sport of archery during this fun, family-focused program, including: 

• Equipment
• Safety
• History
• Shooting techniques

Youth and adults alike will enjoy this fall program on Thursdays in October at the beautiful Marsh Lake Archery Range. Friendly competition is encouraged!

• Dates and Times:
  • October 2, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  • October 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  • October 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
  • October 23, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
  • October 30, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Fee: $7.50 per participant, per session
• Registration: Sign up online at Webtrac
  • Maximum 10 participants per session.
  • Sessions are identical.
  • Participants must be at least 8 years old by session date.
• Equipment: Provided. Participants will be using compound bows.  
• Parking: Limited on-site parking. Additional parking available at Marsh Lake Playfields.

A night of free fun for the whole family!

* Bonfires * Live music * Lawn games * Kids Karaoke * Free dinner *Activities * Treats * Prize drawings and more!

https://faithandblue.org/