The Family 4th Fest based in Porter drew an all day crowd from the beginning of the day until the end. Those joining in on the fun found that there was always something to experience no matter the time thanks to the efforts of the Duneland Business Initiative Group (B.I.G.). Everyone agreed that the free admission was a cherry on top.
“We have the best weather this year and the community knows that we are here having an all day celebration. Porter Parks, the Chesterton Lion’s Club, and other wonderful donators have helped us out and we couldn’t be more appreciative towards them,”Laura Layman, Vice President of Duneland B.I.G. said. “We bring a hometown community event that kids can go to and also have fun in a family friendly environment.”
From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., a pancake breakfast was served by the Chesterton Lions Club to the public for only $5. This included three pancakes, three sausage patties, and an orange juice or coffee beverage. Guests were welcomed to eat inside the Hawthorne Park Community Building or enjoy their meal outside. During breakfast, a parade also happened throughout the Porter streets as well; excited spectators lined the streets from Yost Elementary School to Hawthorne Park. “It was just really nice to have everyone come to the parade and organize themselves. All of it went on without a hitch,”Ross LeBlue, the Parade Marshal, said.
The Lions Club also hosted the 73rd Annual Turtle Derby in the Hawthorne Park basketball courts at 11 a.m.
“We had 99 turtles race last year and 95 this year which worked out really nice with each heat of the race. A lot of our competitors have been racing for a long time with their families and because of their families; it’s wonderful to see everyone bonding and having fun,” Ed Hutson, Chairman of the Turtle Derby and Chesterton Lions Club Member, said.
Children were welcomed to join the Patriotic Poster Contest that ran from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m and other games and contests were provided from noon until 3 p.m. which were free to enter. Families enjoyed various games and activities that practiced their unity and fun nature.
A friendly brick tossing competition for all ages was also arranged by the Duneland Business Initiative Group.
Among all the prior events listed, bounce Houses and kiddy rides were enjoyed by younger participants while the adults could take on a rock climbing wall. Food and other 4th of July refreshments were purchased throughout the day by local favorites including: Leroy’s Mexican Food, Rolling Stone Pizza Bakers, Hot Diggety Dogs, Moon’s Kettle Corn & SnoCones, Darie’s Elephant Ears & Lemonade Shake-ups, and Ben’s Soft Pretzels.
“Troop #928 is here selling hotdogs, fries, and water for the festival. The 4th is America’s birthday and we all love to celebrate our freedom as a nation through family fun,”Dakota Costello, a proud Boy Scout, said.
Leroy’s Hot Stuff also added a beer garden and musical entertainment—live and karaoke—to the Family 4th Fest and in the evening, the Ricky Ricardo Rhythm and Blues Band sang while fireworks celebrated our American independence at dusk. “I picked the Ricky Ricardo Rhythm and Blues Band because they are a local band and I want to help them grab some new fans. The Family 4th Fest is a way for everyone who lives in town to come by and see what the town has to offer,” Leroy Flores, owner of Leroy’s Hot Stuff, said. “It’s a good cause to celebrate and have families and friends come together.”
Many special thanks went out to the Towns of Porter, Chesterton, and Burns Harbor, L.A. Bell, Chesterton Walgreens, and Shelton’s Fireworks because without them, this wonderful family event wouldn’t be possible.