Happy Monday, Longmont! Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. Be sure to make the most of it because the year’s spookiest holiday won’t take place on a Friday or Saturday again until 2031. Next year, it’ll be on Sunday, which Longmont Brief staff unanimously agree should be outlawed. Sundays are scary enough as it is.

Today — final designs for Longmont’s new flag are days away from being released, a potential rule change could aid redevelopment at the abandoned sugar mill and the end of a local pizzeria.

Let’s dive in.

Just like the killer in a horror movie, the latest look at Longmont’s new flag design is just around the corner.

The final three designs for Longmont’s new flag will be delivered to Longmont’s Art in Public Places team this week, according to AIPP Administrator Angel Brill. The images will be released to the public, along with a preference poll, in the days following.

Design of the times:

After a massive call for local artists by the city earlier this year, three finalists were selected and tasked with submitting their vision for the future of Longmont’s flag. As soon as their designs are released, a roughly month-long process begins. Here’s the order of operations:

An interesting kicker — the public, as well as city council, have the option to vote to retain the city’s current design, which has been in place since 1974.

But…not everybody’s a fan. The redesign has faced criticism from the public and city council, alike. Councilmembers Jake Marsing and Matthew Popkin initially voted against the idea in May when council first began considering the redesign. They cited the $5,000 price tag, and argued there are more time-sensitive issues to focus on.

Fun fact: Longmont’s flag has been to outer space twice. Longmont legend Vance Brand took it up during missions in 1975 and 1984.

Longmont may change rule to help finance housing developments: During tomorrow’s Longmont City Council study session, councilmembers will discuss whether to expand the use of metropolitan districts for residential developments. Metro districts are a government entity — and a financial tool — used to fund development projects that would otherwise be too costly to pursue. They spread the cost of infrastructure over many years, rather than requiring developers to pay for the whole bill up front. They’re often used for development projects that benefit not only the developer’s intentions, but the general public, as well. Common examples include improved roads and stormwater drainage systems. Currently, city code does not allow metro districts to be used for developments focused on housing, only commercial space. The city believes a rule change could make redevelopment at the abandoned sugar factory more viable.

The final day for Parry’s Pizza: Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse’s Longmont location is permanently closing its doors after business hours tomorrow, according to a Parry’s staff member, who declined to provide a reason for the closure. The pizzeria’s final day comes after spending 10 years in Longmont. Parry’s was among the first to set up shop in the Village at the Peaks, which hosted its grand opening in June 2016. Since then, Parry’s has seen the pizza climate in Longmont crowd considerably. Newcomers like Urban Field, Antonio’s, Krave It and, most recently, Slice House, are among the latest pizza shops competing for locals’ affection.

Five Longmont cross country runners qualify for state: Silver Creek High School is sending three runners to the penultimate race on Saturday in Colorado Springs, while Longmont High School qualified two runners. LHS senior Jack French posted the fastest time of all local runners, and 4th-fastest in Region 3, finishing his 5K in 15:32. The Trojans qualified a girl as well — senior Cora Reinholt — who crossed the finish line in 20:09. SCHS qualified two boys, Gabriel de la Lama (Sr, 16:26) and Elijah Charlton (Jr, 16:34), and one girl, Makenzie Livingston (Sr, 20:10).

Key: Sport (win - loss, ranking (if in Top 25)): most recent result. next scheduled event.

Astronaut visits Longmont: As part of a week-long space-focused learning event, St. Vrain Valley School District and the Space Foundation are inviting elementary school students and their families to Longmont’s Innovation Center for an “evening of discovery.” From 5-7 p.m. tonight, visitors can expect an astronaut talk, hands-on activities, free food and giveaways and more. If you can’t attend in-person, a livestream option is available. For more info, click here.

Collectible Glass Giveaway: Celebrate the reopening of the Longmont Museum by getting a free commemorative glass at 300 Suns Brewing. Beginning tomorrow at 6 p.m., buying any alcoholic beverage at the brewery will score you a free special edition, museum-themed glass and a BOGO museum admission coupon. The deal is active until glasses run out.

Halloweekend shows at Longmont theatres: The final weekend of The Rocky Horror Show at Longmont Theatre Company takes place this weekend, although its tickets have been in high demand. Of the four remaining shows this weekend, only one still has seats available — the 10:30 p.m. show on Saturday night, where there are just 41 tickets remaining in their 300-seat auditorium. Other options for shows this weekend include Jesters Dinner Theatre’s production of The Producers Friday night and Sunday afternoon, and a unique show at the Longmont Museum auditorium on Thursday, where an orchestra plays music live alongside the classic 1921 horror film Destiny.