On Saturday, January 25, the City of La Porte hosted the second day of its annual Winterfest celebration. Attendees flocked from across the Region — and even as far as Minnesota — to brave the cold, participate in the various activities, and enjoy each other’s company. This year’s Winterfest events included a snowball softball co-ed tournament, horse-drawn wagon rides, an Eagles tribute concert by the band Hotel California, and the ever-popular ice sculpting demonstrations.
Steve Carroll, a Hammond resident and participant in the Winterfest Ice Fishing Derby on Stone Lake, is pleased to be attending the festival.
“It’s great to see all the camaraderie out here,” Carroll said. “This happens to be my first year participating. My friends from DeMotte and Rensselaer are out fishing with me today, and we’re having a great time. This is definitely a Midwest event. I hope everyone stays safe and warm out here. Of course, I hope they have fun, too.”
Winterfest also featured a Sewing 101 program put on by the Steady Stitchers, a Purdue Extension homemakers club, during which attendees could learn how to make their own winter hat to guard against the cold. This year, the Maple City Bicycle Club (MCBC) organized the Frosty’s Frozen Bike Ride event, a roughly 14-mile ride around La Porte’s Stone and Pine Lakes. David Wolfe, president of the MCBC, appreciates the opportunity to support Winterfest and get the word out about his bicycle club.
“The Frosty’s Frozen Bike Ride event gets everybody out of the house and helps break up that cabin fever,” Wolfe said. “It brings people together to enjoy the cold weather. We get four seasons and, even though people generally want to stay indoors during the winter, we should get out there and enjoy it, too. Winterfest is a great way to enjoy the winter season. My hope is that everyone goes home having enjoyed this year’s events and happy that they got a chance to fellowship with other La Porte residents and even people from out-of-town.”
At Winterfest’s Family Fun Day, attendees of all ages could enjoy a combined movie and jump-a-thon event. Young participants of this event played on inflatables provided by Hot Rod Snow Cones before enjoying a free showing of the “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”
Throughout Winterfest weekend, attendees could enjoy free ice skating in downtown La Porte. Dawn Dawson, an attendee who brought her daughter to skate at the rink, considers Winterfest to be yet another successful La Porte event.
“Winterfest is a great event because it encourages La Porte residents to come out and enjoy the weather,” Dawson said. “I’ve heard so many people say, ‘I’m not going anywhere, it’s too cold.’ La Porte residents don’t tend to leave town, so it’s great that Winterfest takes place right here in the city. My family and I enjoy attending all of the great events La Porte has to offer throughout the year. La Porte is all about bringing its residents together for a fun time. It’s a gorgeous day, and I’m glad to be here at Winterfest.”
You can learn more about City of La Porte’s upcoming projects and events by visiting cityoflaporte.com.
