What’s recently happened?
Every Tuesday from June 6 to 27, Valparaiso Events hosted its annual movie in the Central Park Plaza of downtown Valpo. “Ratatouille,” “Mary Poppins Returns,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” were the movies featured downtown. Valparaiso events initiate the night with pre-movie activities starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m. Numerous well-known businesses sponsored this event, including Valparaiso University, Crumbl Cookie, and Valpo Velvet.
The downtown movies offered a variety of pre-movie activities to keep children entertained.
“Pre-movie activities include free face painting, free balloon twisting, sponsor booth freebies, and activities like bounce houses and games,” Katie Abel, executive director of Valparaiso events said. “There is also musical entertainment and fun décor, and the characters from some of the movies will show up for a meet and greet, and don’t forget the free popcorn!”
In addition to entertaining children, Abel stated that she loves watching the emotions on children's faces during the pre-movie activities.
On Tuesday, June 13, Valparaiso Events remained dedicated to giving the community enjoyment by showing Mary Poppins Returns despite the rain. As a result, the movie had to be moved to the William E. Urschel Pavilion. Valparaiso events also showed dedication to the community by rescheduling the movie on June 27 due to an air quality alert.
Finally, several additional activities throughout June brought the community together for fun. Valparaiso Events not only showed movies downtown but also organized other events.
"Friday, June 23 was the first annual Valpo Blues & BBQ Festival, which featured a lineup of impressive blues artists and BBQ tastings from some of Valpo's best restaurants," Abel said.
What’s coming up?
The city of Valparaiso will be hosting its yearly Porter County Fair from July 20 to July 29. The fair is located at 217 E. Division Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383. This event begins between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. every day and lasts until around 11 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. on weekends.
General entry costs $10 per person ages 10 and up unless you get there before 12 p.m. In that case, admission is free. Fair parking is free and available to anyone. If you desire wristbands to enjoy the rides, an all-day wristband costs $25, while a 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. wristband costs $20.
Entertainment held at the fair includes grandstand concerts, animal shows, competitions, rodeo and motorized events, expo center exhibits, and, of course, carnival rides.
The Porter County Fair will host grandstand concerts from July 20 to July 23. The concerts will feature Jon Pardi performing with Erin Kinsey, Jelly Roll performing with Austin Snell, Zach Williams performing with Cory Asbury, and The Oak Ridge Boys performing with Tracy Byrd.
Along with grandstand concerts, the fair will hold competitions. Some competitions featured include the Porter County Fair Queen Pageant, a mile hustle and family fun run, a candy apple eating contest, the cutest baby contest, a barbeque competition, and countless other competitions.
Lastly, the Porter County Fair offers a wide variety of events, including fair rides, grandstand performances, animal shows, contests, or simply roaming around the fair.
In addition to the Porter County Fair, there are several other events to look forward to in July, including the summer concert series hosted in downtown Valpo beginning on July 13 or the Valpo Wine Festival on July 22. Furthermore, Zao Island will continue its free summer music series in July. Every Friday between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., a new artist(s) is playing.
Community member spotlight:
Steve Garland attended Hobart High School and proceeded to pursue a career in construction. He had different goals originally, but he kept getting drawn into the path of construction. Garland is passionate about his job as a project manager that works directly for the city of Valparaiso.
Garland's job entails a variety of tasks.
"I work on new construction projects as well as all of the city's street lights," said Garland. "It's something different every day, so I'm never bored.
Garland's previous job experience and ethics from running Central Park Plaza led to his current success. Garland's former position had challenges he had to conquer, which resulted in valuable work experience.
"When I worked at the parks department, learning how to drive a Zamboni and all aspects of the ice rink challenged me," Garland said.
Despite the fact he was challenged through his job success, Garland is happy with where he has reached in his career. Garland lives by the advice of doing something you like because it won't feel like work.
Lastly, Garland’s dad is his biggest inspiration; he loves his family and emphasizes them.
“My family keeps me motivated: Heather, Levi, and Sedona—I love you all!” Garland said.