“Now, is it pronounced Ho-Bart or Ho-Bert?” asks Ideas in Motion Media founder, Chris Mahlmann to Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor. The Mayor glares at Mahlmann through his tinted shades. “Its Ho-Bert. Normally when someone says Ho-Bart, we know they’re not from The Region,” Mayor Snedecor smiles.
Hoo-Bert? Ho-bay? Ho-bart? Mayor Snedecor put to rest a long disputed pronunciation debate with our second installment of the “Life on the Streets” video series. In this episode, Mahlmann was introduced to a side of the city many outsiders weren’t aware existed.
“We like to be diverse in Hobart,” Mayor Snedecor began. “We have the urban setting, the retail area, and we also have our Farm-to-Fork district.”
The Mayor was referring to the several farms throughout the city including Johnson’s, County Line Orchard, Remus Farms, and more.
“These farms were here when nothing else was here,” the Mayor said while pointing at several new buildings and businesses along Rt. 6. “When you’d travel down here several years ago farms were about the only thing along this passage.”
The first farm for the pair to visit was Johnson’s Farm. There the two took a short break on the “Jumbo Jumper,” watched vegetables being launched at targets, saw the cool new obstacle adventure course that has been built, and were graciously given a bucket of blueberries from the staff.
“A lot of people don’t know about this great spot,” Mayor Snedecor continued. “It’s a great spot to bring the kids out and really make a day of it, you know.”
After exploring the Farm-to-Fork district, Mayor Snedecor directed Mahlmann to Rt. 30 to show him the massive retail quarter of Hobart. This area includes dozens of restaurants, shopping areas, and the mall.
“A lot of people think this is Merrillville, but it’s actually Hobart,” said Mayor Snedecor.
The Mayor pointed out several highlights along the strip including Albanese, Southlake Mall, ChicagoLand Popcorn, Stardust Bowl, and Avalon Banquets. He also discussed new businesses and restaurants coming soon to the area, like Tractor Supply Company and a new restaurant in the Mall called “Porkchop.”
“I’m sure it's important to a lot of taxpayers to understand how important this area is generating a lot of your tax base?” Mahlmann asked.
“Absolutely,” Mayor Snedecor began. “This is not a tax increment funding district so this a fully taxable area and it runs all the way up to Mississippi street.”
Next on the list of Hobart attractions was a visit to Hobart High School and then on to what many in Hobart consider to be the historical heart of the city: The Brickie Bowl.
“At one time there was a 71-game streak of home wins by the Hobart Brickies. That’s nearly seven years of all home victories. Also, back in 2003, there was a study of the best places in the country to watch a high school football game. The Brickie Bowl came in 6th in the country.”
Recently, the Brickie Bowl was revitalized by the city and several new upgrades were added including new bleachers for the home side. Mayor Snedecor commented that he was trying to bring back the memories from the bowl and that he “owed it” to the fans.
“I played on that field. I had a lot of fun on that field,” the Mayor paused and then turned to Mahlmann, “I got my butt kicked on that field too.”
The final stretch was through Hobart’s downtown district, and then Festival Park at Lake George. This area has also gone through several changes and upgrades in recent years.
“Seems like when I came into office every second or third storefront was vacant,” Mayor Snedecor began, “So, we started a program called the Facade Program, and we would actually contribute up to 50% for people to improve the front of their buildings. We can keep the history of the building, but upgrade it. You can really see the improvements throughout this district.”
The lakefront park has seen many changes throughout the years while Snedecor has been in office. Currently, the lakefront has been the host of a multitude of gatherings, including festivals, concerts, and water sport events. Snedecor commented on how jam-packed the park can be with families when Summer Markets on the Lake, Lakefront Festival, Pumpkins in the Park, and many other events that take place throughout the year.
To see the full video and all of Hobart’s amazing attractions, click here.
