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 Portage.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
How to tackle your TBR in 2024
Readers of the Region, it’s that time again. Whether you track your books on Goodreads, record them in a journal, or simply keep a running list in your head, it’s time to dive into another year of books.
While you may be eager to discover new stories, here’s the rub: which books do you choose? If you have a never-ending list of books on your TBR, how do you determine when to read which books?
Bookshops to check out in NWI
Northwest Indiana is full of stories just waiting to be heard. Even better, many of these can be found in any Region city, or town at a nearby bookstore. With plenty scattered throughout the area, it’s easier than ever to find your newest read today!
GreatNews.Life celebrates 15 years of sharing great news with great people
It’s truly amazing to see how an unfortunate setback can quickly turn into a great opportunity. Today, that great opportunity turns 15 years old.
In 2009, Chris Mahlmann was driving home from a meeting feeling rather discouraged. New to the Northwest Indiana area from Illinois, he was able to observe a lot about the Region from an outsider’s perspective - most notably all the positivity in the communities around him, and was excited to share all this good news with others. Unfortunately, others he met with about starting a good news company seemed to lack the same sentiments, much to his surprise.
GreatNews.Life makes a ‘grand march’ into prom season
There’s nothing quite like a high school prom. From dressing to the nines with friends to dancing the night away to their favorite songs, prom is the last major event for many students to celebrate their high school years before graduation day arrives.
Portage Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee knocks its Spring 2024 Food and A Flick event out of the park
On April 16, the senior citizens of Portage gathered in Oakwood Hall at Woodland Park for the Spring session of the Food and A Flick event. This free event, which was sponsored by the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee, is designed to give the seniors of the community a chance to socialize with one another while they enjoy a delicious meal and a lighthearted film.
The Region’s best beaches to make a splash at this summer
Whether it's the 4th of July weekend or just a day you’re playing hooky from work, make sure you make a splash this summer while in the Region. Summers in the Region are always sure to please. You can check out the Hometown Jam concert, Festival of the Lakes, Pierogi Fest, a summer farmer’s market, or a local patio hangout, but nothing says summer like the local beaches that Northwest Indiana has to offer.
All About the Girls Part 9 celebrates belonging for women across NWI
The ninth annual All About the Girls event, hosted by GreatNews.Life, created by Jenny Craig-Brown, continued the trend of empowering and inspiring women of all ages. With a young team of dancers, seven uplifting women (all who’ve faced trials of their own and found success) giving speeches, and a fun basket giveaway, All About the Girls Part 9 gave returning attendees an equally heartening experience to prior years and gave first-time attendees an event to look forward to in years to come.
Why we should keep movie theaters alive
In the last few decades, the movie industry has changed dramatically as the entertainment landscape continues to develop with the introduction of new technologies and new cultural practices. With options to watch movies from home through a plethora of streaming services, many now choose to wait for the latest movies to drop on their service of choice rather than visit the movie theater.
Rittenhouse Village hosts 9th annual Charity Car Show, celebrating community and classic cars
Rittenhouse Village at Portage hosted its 9th Annual Charity Car Show on Thursday, August 8. This much-anticipated event featured an evening filled with classic cars, community, and nostalgia.
The car show, which has become a staple event for Rittenhouse Village residents and the Portage community, is co-hosted by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. Car enthusiasts were invited to showcase their prized vehicles, which included everything from antique models to souped-up hot rods and even modern vehicles. This event is more than just a car show, it focuses on bringing the community together, creating connections, and giving back.
Members of the motorcycle community participate in Blessing of the Bikes at Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso
On Saturday, May 18, bikers cruised into the parking lot at Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso for the annual Blessing of the Bikes. The event drew in bikers from across the Region, ready to receive a blessing of safety on their motorcycle and themselves.
Every year, bikers eagerly anticipate the Blessing of the Bikes event. Riders of all backgrounds come together under the common bond of their love for motorcycles and the open road.