No matter the time of year, the Region always brings a wide variety of new, innovative events and activities to help bring communities together. From concerts, to parades, to trick-or-treating, their is something for everyone to enjoy and create and lasting memory with.
The year 2023 was no different, and we were extremely excited to capture all of the joy, excitement, and fun that was available to the community. We at GreatNews.Life pride ourselves in not only capturing the events, but creating a lasting memory that family, friends, and community members can look back on in the future.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 entertainment articles on Portage.Life to recap the good news in 2023!
Portage High School students set out to empower community with performance of "9 to 5"
Calling all Dolly Parton lovers; get ready to have some catchy tunes stuck in your head. On Wednesday, April 19, Portage High School (PHS) held a dress rehearsal to prepare for its upcoming performances of Dolly Parton’s hit musical “9 to 5.” Students danced and sang their hearts out in preparation for what is sure to be a unique and unforgettable production.
City of Portage's annual Memorial Day Service reminds community and honors fallen heroes
Every Memorial Day, the City of Portage holds a beautiful ceremony to honor our country’s fallen heroes and thank them for their sacrifice. This year’s Memorial Day Service was just as touching as everyone hoped it would be as veterans, gold star family survivors, and countless community members gathered in Founders Square to remember all the soldiers who didn’t make it home.
The Region's best patios to enjoy this summer
There’s nothing like the summer season in Northwest Indiana. From Pine Lake in La Porte County to windsurfing on Wolf Lake in Lake County or hiking the Dunes in Porter County to Whiting’s annual Pierogi Fest, Northwest Indiana is full of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by all this summer.
Patio hopping is a staple in the Region and something that natives of the Midwest wait for all winter long. There’s nothing like the smell of the weather breaking and knowing that summer has returned yet again. Whether you’re driving in downtown Valpo or Crown Point, seeing the local restaurants and bars putting out their seasonal patio furniture is nothing short of pleasant.
All About The Girls Part 8 encourages women to embrace who they are and shout "This is Me"
What better way to describe All About the Girls (AATG) Part 8 than with the pink sparkly conductor hat worn by GreatNews.Life Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown?
This year’s AATG event at Urschel Pavilion continued the tradition of creating a bigger, better, and more bedazzled gathering for women to celebrate what makes them unique.
Portage EDC hosts party on deck 2023 at U.S. Steel Yard
Members of the Portage community came out to catch a Railcats game and network with other members of the community at the Portage Economic Development Corporation (EDC)’s Party on Deck at the U.S. Steel Yard. The festivities included food and watching the Railcats game from the party deck.
City of Portage remembers and honors America's workers with first event Salute to Labor Festival
Many cities throw fun festivals and parades over Labor Day weekend to give people something fun to enjoy on their extra day of rest. Although it is important to remember how this important day came to be. That’s exactly why the City of Portage honored the hard workers of America’s past on Saturday, September 2, with its inaugural Salute to Labor Festival. Countless people headed out to Founders Square for an evening of unforgettable fun and remembrance.
Portage Bacon Fest is the perfect way to say farewell to summer
Portage held its 10th annual Bacon Fest on September 16. It was the perfect event to close out the summer. Hundreds of locals came together to share their love of fried, crispy, and savory American classic, bacon. Local favorites such as the Crispy Hot Dog, Tocayos, Kona Ice, and many other vendors served the Portage community. There were also events for the little ones and booths that offered dog-friendly foods.
The Region's spookiest spots to stop this fall
It’s spooky season in the Region, and Northwest Indiana is filled with places to celebrate and commemorate this time of the year yet again. If you’re looking to get festive for fall this year and embrace everything eerie in the Region, look no further. Your GreatNews.Life team has hunted down the places sure to scare and make you scream this spooky season.
Portage celebrates pumpkins, ghosts, and Halloween in Light Up the Gourds 2023
The Portage community came out by the dozens to walk a trail lined with pumpkins, ghosts, and holiday spirit. Hundreds of pumpkins were lining the illuminated trail following along the Iron Horse Heritage Trail. The Portage Fire Department and other members of the community set up displays and put out pumpkins. Saturday’s event is the fourth annual version of the event.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage brings excitement with their annual Bingo Charity event
Rittenhouse Village at Portage held its ninth annual Vera Bradley bingo on Saturday, November 4. Residents and their families were treated to snacks, drinks, and the opportunity to win special prizes.