A frozen sculpture of the Door Prairie Barn enchants a young visitor during the 2016 WinterFest. (WNLP photo by Bob Wellinski; click to enlarge)
No offense to mild January days, but let’s root for colder temps Jan. 27-29 so conditions will be perfect for LaPorte WinterFest events.
The LaPorte Park and Recreation Department’s annual event will return with favorite features as well as a few new twists. Here’s the schedule:
Friday, Jan. 27
— Ice sculpture demonstrations, presented by Downtown LaPorte and local businesses and organizations, will take place at the new Plaza 618 (southeast corner of Lincolnway and Monroe) beginning at 4 p.m. Besides watching these unique artists create their sculptures, visitors can shop and dine at downtown LaPorte establishments.
Saturday, Jan. 28
— For creative adults and children alike, a special Family Ceramics event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the lower level of the Civic Auditorium. Family members of all ages can paint seasonal gifts such as snowmen, Valentine’s Day boxes and figurines, or think ahead with spring items such as Easter eggs. The cost is $5 per person, which includes paints and brushes but not the bisque item for decorating. All children must have a parent or guardian present.
— Design and build a person-powered, corrugated cardboard sled capable of withstanding the descent down the Kesling Park Sledding Hill for the WinterFest Cardboard Sled Race from 1 to 2 p.m. This is a great event for friends, families and local business who want to have fun creating the fastest, most spectacular cardboard sled around. This is a free event for all to enjoy, but make sure you register early at the park office, 250 Pine Lake Ave.
— The Snowball Softball Adult Coed Tournament returns to Lions Field at 9 a.m. The double-elimination tournament is limited to the first eight teams to register. NSA coed rules apply. Team awards for first, second and third place and individual awards for first place will be given. The cost is $165 per team. Registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. Turn in rosters and waiver forms to the park office, 250 Pine Lake Ave.
— Breakfast with the Birds, sponsored by the LaPorte County Parks, will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. at Luhr County Park Nature Center, 3178 S. 150 West, LaPorte. Come and learn about our feathered friends and enjoy breakfast treats while watching a great variety of birds grab a bite at the bird-feeding station. No pre-registration is required. This program is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
— Feeling the winter blahs? Allow instructor Becca Masters to motivate you to relax, replenish, revive. Tap into your body’s natural chakra flow during Yoga at the Civic and see how easy it can be to revitalize yourself quickly and easily. All skill levels welcome. This class will be held in the Civic Auditorium’s lower level (use the Plain Street ramp) from 10-11 a.m. and is free to all who attend. Donations will be graciously accepted to support the LaPorte Park and Recreation Department’s Youth Scholarship Program.
— Wanted: chili masters! Do you think your chili is worthy? Bring a minimum of 3 gallons, a crock pot and a ladle to the first WinterFest Chili Cook-Off from noon to 3 p.m. at Cummings Lodge in Soldiers Memorial Park. Not a chili maker? Be a chili taster! Chefs must pre-register by submitting a cook-off application along with $25 entry fee to the park office, 250 Pine Lake Ave., by Friday, Jan. 20. The public is invited beginning at 12:30 p.m. to taste the chili by paying a $5 entry (adult); children under 10 are free.
Sunday, Jan. 29
— Horse-drawn wagon rides will be given for free from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Soldiers Memorial Park. After a trot through the park, hot chocolate will be available by the fireplace at Cummings Lodge.
— Be bold. Come to the Barre Class. If you’re staying on top of fitness trends, you know that barre workouts are all the rage. Join certified instructor Becca Masters for this new type of workout on the Civic Auditorium’s lower level (use the Plain Street ramp) from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. This class is free; donations will be graciously accepted to support the LaPorte Park and Recreation Department’s Youth Scholarship Program.
For more information on any WinterFest event, follow the La Porte Park and Recreation Department Facebook page, call 326-9600 or stop in at the office at 250 Pine Lake Ave. For the events requiring forms and fees, visit the office or download the forms off the Facebook page.