10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Market Opening, Dodgeball Challenge, and Family Bike Ride

Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do!

Games, Prizes at Chesterton’s European Market Opening
After a winter hiatus, Chesterton’s European Market be reopening on Saturday, May 5, 2012. The Market, which is open from 8am-2pm each Saturday from May through October, offers Duneland area residents the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, as well as boutique products from local artisans, chefs and merchants. In addition to al fresco shopping and dining, visitors to the Market will be able to participate in Market Bingo and a “Cinco de Mayo Name That Veggie” contest at noon.

United Way of LaPorte County Hosting Dodgeball Challenge
Join the United Way of LaPorte County’s Third Annual Dodgeball Challenge on May 5, 2012 at Michigan City High School. Thirty two teams have already entered, and each team plays a minimum of four times. With eight players per team (minimum of three women), teams will face off to benefit a great cause. There will also be a celebrity judges and a Stuff-the-Bus Challenge at the tournament, and entrants and attendees are asked to bring non-perishable items to help fill our local food pantries.

Cash In for Fashion at Engstrom
Just in time for spring.....Engstrom Jewelers is hosting a Designer Trunk show/ Gold buying event called "Cash in for Fashion".  It will be a one day Designer trunk show filled with fabulous pieces in 14k, 18k and platinum featuring some of the seasons hottest trends at up to 50% off.   Engstrom Jewelers will showcase items with outstanding colored stones and a large assortment of bridal jewelry so there is something for everybody.

Great Futures Family Bike Ride
The "Great Futures Family Bike Ride" takes place May 5. Load up the bikes, grab the family and join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County for a non-competitive ride that will take place on the family-friendly Prairie-Duneland Trail. The Ride is open to the entire community. Free bike safety inspections and helmet fittings are provided in the Community Area located at the Chesterton trail head. Kids will enjoy the special appearances by Rascal the Railcat and horses from the Porter County Sheriff Department’s Mounted Posse. Free refreshment stations will be available along the trail.

Bound to Blossom to Take Place May 6
The Portage Township YMCA in support of St. Mary Medical Center will host its 2nd annual Bound to Blossom 5K Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 am on May 6. The event will begin and end at the Y and utilize the “Rails to Trails”. The flat course is paved for easy running and walking. The race will be timed and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals will be awarded to male and female runners in each age category.

Steiner Homes 2012 Spring Show
Come out for the 2012 Steiner Homes Spring Show, which will showcase three open houses in Northwest Indiana, two in Valparaiso and one in St. John.

Stroll for Hospice!
The Visiting Nurse Association's 11th annual Stroll for Hospice is right around the corner - Sunday, May 6th. The Stroll for Hospice brings people together to remember their loved ones and to support the VNA Hospice program. The route is approximately three miles long (a shorter route is available as well), and the pace is slow and easy. Special signs in memory of walkers’ loved ones are available for anyone collecting donations or pledges of $100 or more. The signs will be placed along the walking path on Vale Park Road and Valparaiso Street.

Munster Theatre Company Presents Spring Musical Production
The Munster Theatre Company (the Performing Arts Department of Munster High School) is pleased to present the Classic Broadway musical, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, satire of big business and all it holds sacred, that follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch (Christian Fary), who uses a little handbook called "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive.

Color Exhibit Explores Different Uses
Color is one of the great things in life and to artists it is all important. Every artist sees and uses color in a distinctive way. It is an individual choice and often very recognizable. Some artists like strong, brilliant colors; others choose subdued pastel colors or somber even monochromatic palettes. It’s still all about color. This Exhibit “Color Concept” displays the work of some of the many talented Southern Shore Art Association Members. You will see how each artist, painter, photographer or sculptor, interprets and uses color in his or her own, unique way.

Wellness Open House Coming to Brincka Cross Gardens
Porter County Parks and Recreation is hosting a Mind Body Wellness Open House led by experienced yoga and meditation instructors. The program is free and open to the public. It will offer an exploration into a variety of relaxation techniques, including gentle yoga stretching, energy balance, meditation and aroma therapy.

More events can be found on our event calendar! Want to submit your own event? Click here to do so or send us an email at share@valpolife.com!