story by GLENDA WINDERS
In the summertime, Whiting comes to life with the pleasures of small-town life as well as some high-toned entertainment and special events. The fun begins in May and lasts until October with Cruise Nights on every third Wednesday. Downtown teems with classic cars accompanied by music, raffles, food, live music and an Arts Alive pop-up market selling handmade crafts.
May is also Paint the Town Pink month, when events focus on raising breast cancer awareness. These include a painting party, trivia games, a fundraiser and an opportunity to vote on your favorite decorated bra.
On May 3 downtown business owners will host “Star Wars Day” with themed activities for shoppers to enjoy. June 14 will be “Dino Day,” and July 12 “Super Mario Day.” Garage Mahul, the citywide garage and yard sale, will take place on May 17 and 18, and Whiting Lakefront Park and Whihala Beach will open for the season on the 23rd. The Whoa Zone there with its slides, trampolines and towers will open on June 7. Wrap up the month with the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on the 26th.
“Jeep Night” occurs on June 12. Come show off your Jeep or take in others while you enjoy games, giveaways and awards. Celebrate Pride at Sheridan Plaza on June 21 with music and booths of all kinds. June also sees the opening of the Summer Concert Series at the plaza on most Fridays until September.
A fireworks display at Whiting Lakefront Park will celebrate Independence Day on July 3, followed by the downtown parade on the 4th. Tennis players can improve their game with a clinic hosted by Mary Lou Piatek on the 13th at the Whiting Municipal Sports Complex. Then on the 18th it’s Alfresco Night, when downtown streets will be closed off so that diners can sit outside to enjoy food, drinks and entertainment. The 19th kicks off Summer With the Symphony, with four outdoor concerts between then and Aug. 31. The Pierogi Fest, one of the largest festivals in the Midwest, will be held July 25-27 with live music, vendors and booths, the Polka Parade and plenty of pierogis and other treats to eat.
Nothing says summer like a night at a baseball game, and the Northwest Indiana Oilmen games at Oil City Stadium never disappoint. The season opens on June 5 and runs through the summer. Special events include Karaoke Night, Swifties Night, Library Night and Bark in the Park.
For more information visit: www.whitingindiana.com
