On the evening of Saturday, February 22, the City of Hammond celebrated the culture of the Region at its ninth annual 219 Day celebration. Attendees hailing from all corners of the Region – and even as far away as Florida – flocked to the Hammond Civic Center for this unforgettable celebration.
Since the theme of this year's 219 Day was "Viva Las Region," the Hammond Civic Center gymnasium was covered in casino-themed decorations. Powers Health, Kali Beauty Salon, and Korellis Roofing numbered among the event’s many sponsors.
Aileen Ibarra, special event coordinator for the City of Hammond, finds 219 Day to be an ideal way to celebrate the “219” area code and the Region as a whole.
“219 Day celebrates what we in the Region are made of,” Ibarra said. “It grounds the community and brings its members together. Even if people grew up in the Region and then moved away, 219 Day is always a great reason for them to come back home. This event demonstrates just how special the communities in our area code are. We have plenty of fun activities available for everyone to enjoy at tonight’s celebration.”
In keeping with the Las Vegas theme, this year’s 219 Day featured three free-to-play blackjack tables and a Wheel of Fortune that offered prizes like decks of cards, branded t-shirts, and face masks. Attendees could get temporary 219 Day tattoos and take photos at one of three Las Vegas-themed photo booths. There was also a raffle for a two-night stay at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond. The winner also walked away with a $500 airfare gift card, sponsored by the Mayor of Hammond, Tom McDermott. McDermott himself drew the ticket and enthusiastically congratulated the winner.
Of course, 219 Day would not be complete without the traditional piñata game. McDermott invited attendees to try their hand at breaking a piñata decorated to look like a rat in a tuxedo. This was a nod to the Rat Pack, a group of performers who helped put Las Vegas on the map as an entertainment hub. Legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. numbered among its members. Once the piñata was broken, attendees delightedly scooped up the candy that had been inside it.
In Ibarra’s view, the Hammond Civic Center is an excellent setting for 219 Day.
“219 Day has been held at the Hammond Civic Center from the very beginning,” Ibarra said. “Since 219 Day is a City of Hammond event, it only makes sense that 219 Day would be held here. The Hammond Civic Center is a historic Northwest Indiana building and it’s a staple of this community. We had a lot of fun planning the ‘Viva Las Region’ theme this year. Of course, the Region has nothing to do with Las Vegas, but that’s what makes 219 Day unique. It’s wacky and it’s fun!”
Representatives from South Shore Roller Derby, the Hammond Historical Society, and Lady’s Gourmet Popcorn set up tables at this year’s 219 Day event. The attendees enjoyed tacos and nachos from Mexico Lindo Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill and beverages from local breweries like Byway Brewing, Gnosis Brewery, and Manic Meadery.
Ibarra considers 219 Day to be a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many facets of Northwest Indiana’s culture.
“219 Day is an excellent opportunity to showcase the Region’s diversity,” Ibarra said. “Not just the diversity of the people who walk through the door, but the diversity of the restaurants, breweries, and community organizations that can be found here. It shows off the things that make Northwest Indiana unique. My hope is that everyone here will walk away from this year’s 219 Day event with a sense of unity.”
Accomplished Frank Sinatra impersonator Stevie Swing and his band regaled the attendees with live renditions of classic Rat Pack songs like “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin. They performed other timeless tunes like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis, and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. They soon had the partygoers out on the dance floor, swaying to the music.
Please visit gohammond.com for more information on City of Hammond’s announcements and upcoming events.
