It was music, fun, and food at the 30th annual City of Hobart Lakefront Festival. The four-day event featured live entertainment, an arts and crafts area, children’s activities, food vendors, and beer garden with the Hobart Community Foundation’s Dam Duck Race on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The opening night was kicked off with a performance by High St. Band on the lakefront. While many in attendance were Hobart residents, the event was drawing in visitors from other areas as well.
Katrina and Darcel Peterson traveled from Merrillville to participate.
“We stumbled upon this. We were at the YMCA across the way and saw the festival,” said Darcel Peterson.
“Once a week, we have date night. We enjoy the outdoors. We enjoy music,” said Katrina Peterson. “I think this is wonderful. I love the music and vendors. I love to see the kids having a good time and the weather is absolutely perfect!”
The Petersons planned to return on Sunday for the annual Hobart Dam Duck Race, hoping to be winners.
Mary Jo Hopkins, a lifelong resident, has been helping with the Dam Duck Race for the last 15 years. Up to 4,000 ducks are released over the dam. Winning ducks leads ticket holders to earn prizes donated from businesses in Hobart. All proceeds from tickets sold go back to the Hobart community. While some years the water has been too high, Hopkins says conditions are favorable for a successful race Sunday.
“Come out and have a good time!” said Hopkins
John Matney was in attendance with his son Henry. They often visit the weekly park activities.
“This is great. The music is great,” said Matney. Matney, who plans to return later this weekend, has an obvious love for the City of Hobart.
“Hobart is a great place. I like living here, and it is the reason my kid is here,” said Matney.
Randon Leser was grinning ear to ear as he strolled the lakefront grounds with his family. The festival’s ambiance drew him to visit.
“Everything around here is a lot of fun, and there is the food, time with family,” said Leser. As a DJ he was most enjoying listening to the music. Leser is a proud Hobart resident of three years.
“The people of Hobart are outgoing,” said Leser.
JD, a lifelong Hobart resident, was in attendance with his son. Coming to the park and the festivities has become a tradition for the duo to spend quality time together and enjoy the food.
“He likes the ice cream,” JD said.
Ice cream, activities, and a variety of food and craft vendors will be out on the lakefront through Sunday with bands performing all four days. Be sure to get your Hobart Dam Duck race ticket.
For information, be sure to visit the City of Hobart's website at https://www.cityofhobart.org/204/Lakefront-Festival.
