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 and from races to parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The year 2024 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 NWI.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
Crown Point Athletics Presents ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll on Ice’
On Saturday, February 24, Crown Point Athletics hosted their annual learn to skate progam’s showcase. This year’s theme of “Rock ‘n’ Roll on Ice” featured skaters of all levels performing what they have learned throughout the program. The skaters’ performances were set to classic rock hits such as “Another One Bites the Dust”. At the conclusion of the showcase, all this year’s students came together to show the skills they had gained through their participation in the program. The finale featured a group performance to the rock hit “Thunderstruck”.
Lake Central bubbles with fun as it presents SpongeBob the Musical 2024
Filled with songs and jokes, SpongeBob, Sandy, and Patrick embarked to save Bikini Bottom from a volcano. Everyone was claming to see the show at Lake Central’s auditorium Thursday night. The last play of the school year featuring all the classmen was the perfect way to finish seniors time.
“It's a great show for them to go out on,” said Pam Neth, musical director. “We're hoping to have really huge crowds for this. SpongeBob has been kind of an iconic thing for about 20 years, so I think it's well deserved on their part to go out on a show like this.”
City of Lake Station and Mayor Bill Carroll host Cinco de Mayo Fest 2024 at Riverview Park
On May 5, residents of all ages gathered at Riverview Park for the City of Lake Station’s second annual Cinco de Mayo fest. This year’s event marked the 162nd anniversary of the victory Mexican forces won against the armies of the French empire in the city of Puebla, Mexico in 1862. The City of Lake Station pulled out all the stops for its celebration this year, providing attendees with a wide variety of food, music, and activities available to its guests. Many of the attendees arrived in their finest cowboy boots and hats, wanting to look their very best for the occasion.
Crossroads Chamber of Commerce celebrates first day of Corn Roast celebration at Bulldog Park in Crown Point
On the sunny evening of May 31, volunteers from Crossroads Chamber of Commerce kicked off the first day of the 2024 Corn Roast celebration. Residents from Crown Point and its neighboring towns gathered at Bulldog Park to participate in this 46-year-old celebration. This year’s event featured over 20 food trucks and stands, bounce houses, a beer garden with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages on tap, and, of course, plenty of corn.
Methodist Hospitals hosts Great Gatsby Gala, raising funds for critical patient services
The Twenties came roaring back on Saturday evening as Methodist Hospitals hosted the Great Gatsby Gala at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Featuring fine dining, 20s-inspired music, and silent auctions, Methodist Hospitals and its community of supporters came together to raise funds for the Methodist Hospitals Foundation.
WhoaZone at Whihala Beach kicks off summer 2024 season with fun for the whole family
On June 15, community members from throughout the Region flocked to Whihala Beach in Whiting for the season-opening of WhoaZone at Whihala Beach. This aqua park, which has been in operation since 2017, is one of three WhoaZone locations and features an inflatable floating obstacle course that guests seven years old and up can enjoy. WhoaZone at Whihala Beach also features rentable shaded seating and the SnackZone concessions and beach store, where guests can purchase hamburgers, hotdogs, ice cream, soda, and WhoaZone toys and souvenirs. Jen Rice, general manager at WhoaZone and Empire Recreational Management, seeks to make every WhoaZone at Whihala Beach experience a memorable one.
GNL Recap: A look back on Festival of the Lakes
Hammond’s Pavilion at Wolf Lake (PAV) has transformed into a dome of eclectic and exhilarating summer fun for the city’s annual and highly anticipated Festival of the Lakes (FOTL). With around 100,000 people making their way to the PAV during FOTL’s five day run, major things are in store this year, including carnival fun for the whole family along with top-notch performances meant to keep audiences dancing on their feet and having the time of their lives all weekend long.
Lake County Parks and Recreation hosts an afternoon of music and vintage baseball at Deep River County Park
On Sunday, July 14, Lake County Parks and Recreation hosted its Music and Baseball event at Deep River County Park. The Legacy Foundation, a Lake County-based community enrichment foundation, sponsored a concert by the South Shore Brass Band. Assembled in front of Deep River County Park’s gazebo, the band offered up a varied selection of toe-tapping tunes. Attendees then headed over to the park’s very own Grinder Field to watch the Deep River Grinders and Danville, Illinois’ Vermillion Voles face off in a 1858-style vintage baseball game. Attendees of all ages enjoyed hot dogs, cookies, and ice-cold Sioux City Sarsaparilla, a Deep River County Park special.
Pierogi Fest: Celebrating a Beloved Tradition with New Thrills
July 26 marks the start of the annual Pierogi Fest in Downtown Whiting, Indiana. The event, held each year, aims to promote local food vendors and businesses while celebrating people’s heritage and roots.
More than 10,000, including families and children, come to enjoy the festivities.
Tom Dabertin, the chairman and co-founder, has shared his enthusiasm for this beloved tradition.
South Shore CVA Partners with City of Gary and Gary/Chicago International Airport to present Gary Air Show
On the morning of Saturday, August 17, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) presented the annual Gary Air Show alongside the City of Gary and Gary/Chicago International Airport. Spectators from across the Region laid out blankets and set up lawn chairs on Marquette Park Beach to relax and watch the high-flying stunts of the pilots and parachuters. Food vendors set up trucks and tents, ready to supply attendees with an array of delicious meals and snacks.