Top 10 entertainment articles on LaPorteCounty.Life in 2022

Top 10 entertainment articles on LaPorteCounty.Life in 2022
By: Alayna Wilkening, Anekah Fish, Aubrey Thomson, Autum Meyers, Elise Sims, Emily Fouts, Grace Bentkowski, Nick Poulos Last Updated: December 29, 2022

In La Porte County, we live, we work, and of course, we play. In 2022, we found time to sing along at concerts, grab tickets to festivals, celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, attend theatre productions, and cherish the moment with those around us to create new memories. 

We’re grateful to live in a Region that offers so much to do with new and exciting opportunities arising each year, and 2022 was no different. Thank you to our partners for inviting us to such cool events this year to help share the good news with others, and thank you to the greater community for always bringing the fun. 

In no particular order, here are the top 10 entertainment articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2022!

A memorable weekend at La Porte’s Winterfest 2022: ice sculpture demonstrations, snowball softball, and ice fishing

Winter can be hard on everyone, and being stuck inside with nothing to do can give many winter blues. The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department has been working to help alleviate this and get people outside and having fun. Their solution – Winterfest!

Pam Carroll, Recreation Director for the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department discussed some reasons for hosting Winterfest each year.

A Michigan City favorite: Patrick’s Grille

If you are looking for a great spot for a bite to eat while visiting Michigan City, Patrick’s Grille is a local favorite that will not disappoint. 

Whether you are looking to stop for a quick lunch while passing through on US 20, or want to celebrate a special occasion, Patrick’s Grille has something for everyone. The warm atmosphere and full menu offers customers a great spot for a night out. General Manager Julie Krause shared that there are a few customer favorites on the menu that keep people coming back.

With oldsmobiles and pink ladies jackets, La Porte goes old school at 50s Cruise Night

La Porte locals perused through a parking lot of classic cars, danced to the live music of The Remedy Band, and bought snacks and small business goods from vendors at the intersection of Lincolnway and Monroe for the City of La Porte 50s Cruise Friday Night Live.

Dennis Nelson has participated in local cruise nights for a few years  brought his ‘23 T Bucket with the inscription “Bucket List” on the windshield to Friday’s event. Nelson added this inscription to mark the completion of an item on his bucket list–owning a classic car.

Sunset Grille’s live entertainment rocks on facilitating companionship and connection

Sunset Grille bustled with music, dancing, and laughter Sunday, June 26. Tables were packed with smiling faces as people gathered together with their friends and family to share an unforgettable evening. 

“Today, entertaining, we have Soulshine. They’re out of Valparaiso and as you can tell, they draw a big crowd,” said Sunset Grille’s General Manager, Julia Krause. “We’re also doing a food buffet that we have been running from 5 to 8.”

Paladin putts for a purpose with 2022 Golf Outing

From across the green, you can hear it: praises for the clear sky and beautiful weather. You can smell it: the fresh dew on the tee grass at the Beechwood Golf Course. You can see it: smiling golfers getting registered for Wednesday’s Paladin golf outing with help from employees and Paladin individuals.

Coming back from a hiatus after the pandemic, Paladin hosted its golf outing in support of the Paladin community and its purpose to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Washington Park brings light to Lake Michigan through rich variety of attractions

As one of the largest lakes in the world, Lake Michigan appeals to many visitors from its bordering states and all over the globe based solely on its own merit. Add to that natural, breathtaking beauty, and the host of fun attractions at Washington Park and it becomes one of the most exciting destinations in the Midwest.

All 140 acres of the Washington Park property were purchased for $1.25 per acre in 1830 by Isaac C. Elston, the first postmaster appointed by President Andrew Jackson. Due to Michigan City’s position by Trail Creek, which is a stream that opens into a Lake Michigan harbor, the city had a great opportunity to build upon the lakefront property.

Sunflower Fair brings fun to La Porte with contests, bounce houses, and local vendors

Saturday, September 17, local vendors, organizations, businesses, performers, and community members crowded Michigan Avenue between Lincolnway and Noble Street in Downtown La Porte for the 23rd Annual Sunflower Fair. 

With too many vendor tents to count, food trucks galore, live music, dozens of antique cars, brightly colored bounce houses, and so much more, Sunflower Fair had something for everyone.

4th Annual Bolt for the Heart Race touches hearts and saves lives

The fall season is always packed with fun, unforgettable races for the community to take part in, but it’s special when people get to race for an important cause. 

On Saturday, October 29, the 4th annual Bolt for the Heart Hallowrun, sponsored by Franciscan Health, was held. People from all over the Region, and even people outside of it, came out to have some fun, all while helping local law enforcement get the equipment they need to save countless lives. 

Lubeznik’s 40th Arts Festival offers new ways for everyone to have fun

Even with the morning showers, the Lubeznik Center for the Arts 40th Arts Festival on Saturday, August 20 was an event no one wanted to miss out on. Families and friends from all over the Region came out to enjoy all the new things Lubeznik had added to its annual festival. 

Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, there was something for everyone to enjoy. There were indoor exhibitions and over 60 art booths to explore. Guests could chow down on some delicious food from Social Que BBQ or savor some ice cream from Cabo’s. For the kids, there was a kids’ area where kids could come and create their own art or get their faces painted. For the adults, there was a beer and wine tent for people to grab a cool drink to sip on as they adventured through the festival. 

Visit Michigan City LaPorte for the latest events, activities and fun in Northern Indiana

There is always something fun to do in LaPorte County, and the team at Visit Michigan City LaPorte opens its door to all, welcoming locals and visitors to all upcoming events. Established in 2009 as the brand name of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the organization works to enhance economic growth through area attractions and activities.

Visit Michigan City LaPorte’s team, headed up by CEO Jack Arnett, gets the word out through the organization’s website events calendar, social media (including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), regional website (Indiana’s CoolNorth.com), state website (VisitIndiana.com) and the Western Michigan Tourist Association (wmta.org) calendar. The official visitor information center is conveniently located in Marquette Mall and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Professional and friendly staff at the visitor information center can assist with questions and provide print versions of their brochures and other publications related to destinations including LaPorte County.