You Are Invited to the Best and Most Affordable Spring Festival in Northwest Indiana

Spring-Out-to-Sunset-2012We celebrate springtime every year with Spring Out to Sunset, a festival that is all about fun, families, and active living. The theme of this year’s event is, “A Community on the Grow,” and the activities that are offered encourage trying new things and enjoying unique experiences – from theater, art and music to fitness, kites and dogs.

Some of the highlights we have planned for this year include a visit from a talented team of frisbee dogs that have wowed crowds during NBA and NFL halftime shows, children’s workshops and performances by Chicago Street Theatre and Front Porch Music, a community mosaic organized by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, a stunt kite team and a community garden.

Admission is just $5 per car for this full day of fun at Sunset Hill Farm County Park!

Spring Out Schedule

Here is a look at some of the programs we will be offering at Spring Out to Sunset on May 19. Our goal is to make this experience as active and engaging as possible for everyone who attends. All of the below programs are included in the admission ($5 per car).

The goal is to HAVE FUN!

Frisbee Dog Show
Come see a talented team of Frisbee dogs that have wowed crowds during NBA and NFL halftime shows! These airborne pups have traveled the country showing off their incredible skills. The first show will be at noon, with a second show at 1:30 p.m. The trainers will also work with anyone who wants to receive Frisbee dog training tips between shows!

Stunt Kites
The 180GO! Stunt Kite Team has been a favorite at Spring Out to Sunset for the past several years. Their jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers always draw a crowd. They will be performing and offering demonstrations throughout the day.

Dog Contest
Enter your dog in this local Frisbee contest! Registration will be at 10 a.m. and the contest will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This event is open to the public. Anyone who brings their dog can participate! Awards are given to the Top 3 dogs. Female dogs in season may not participate. A current health certificate must be presented to register all dogs.

Front Porch Sing-A-Longs
Kids will get the chance to sing, try instruments and watch performances by experienced teachers from Valpo's Front Porch Music! There will be demonstrations with guitars and percussion instruments, sing-a-longs and educational workshops throughout the day!

Community Mosaic
Anyone who attends Spring Out will be welcome to add to our community mosaic using family pictures, buttons, shells and many other items! The Lubeznik Center for the Arts will facilitate this amazing community project. People are encouraged to bring family photos from home to add to the mosaic.

Hamelot
“Hamelot” will be performed by the talented high school acting class from the Chicago Street Theatre Children’s Theatre Works program. This fun play will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and is sure to be fun for the whole family!

Community Garden
Families will have the chance to plant seeds in the Community Garden at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. This garden is sustained completely by the public, and the produce and plants it yields belong to the community as well. Northwest Indiana Grow facilitates the garden and will be handing out seeds throughout the day. Make sure to stop by and participate in this incredible project!

Family Fitness
This program will have a wide variety of offerings. Porter County Parks and Recreation staff will offer traditional outdoor play options like hopscotch, jump rope, double Dutch and four square. Valpo ATA will also be in this area, offering interactive martial arts demonstrations throughout the day!

Positive Experience Training School for Dogs
This all-day event will feature training demos and agility equipment from Positive Experience Training School. This is open to the public. Anyone who brings their dog is welcome to give it a try!

Pasta Picnic
Third Coast Spice Cafe, of Chesterton, will host this cooking demonstration. A local chef will have a variety of cold pastas, roasted balsamic tomatoes and different ingredients that make pastas special. There will be two 30-minute demos offered during Spring Out to Sunset. The first will be at 11 a.m., and the second will take place at 1 p.m.

Wagon Rides
Wagons will go up Sunset Hill and drop people off throughout the day. An interpreter will meet the group and take them on a 15-minute hike. The group will then have an option to take the Storybook Trail down the hill back to the festival or take the wagon ride back down. The wagons will be on a 30-minute rotation.

Reins of Life Miniature Horse
Children will have an opportunity to groom, pet, and interact with a miniature horse from Reins of Life. The horse will be available from 11 a.m. until about 1 p.m.