With a festive backdrop of holiday decorations and a luminous tree, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson joined representatives from the Gary Parks Department, Cause 2 Compete, Gary Housing Authority and the Broadway Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) at Marquette Park Pavilion to announce a host of activities that will be taking place in Gary during December.
“This is the season when we think of others and their needs, and we are excited to have a number of events in the City of Gary that will allow us to do just that,” said Freeman-Wilson. “The partnerships we have forged will once again help us to bring a series of entertaining events and generosity to many of Gary’s youth who are in need.”
The following is a list of upcoming holiday activities:
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
On Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 5:00p.m., there will be a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Gateway Park located at 4th & Broadway. The public is invited to come out and see the lighting of various trees that were donated by local businesses.
“This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,” said Park Superintendent Lori Peterson-Latham. “The donated trees will be on display at one the city’s most visible entrances for all to enjoy.”
Businesses that are interested in donating a tree may call Sharon Ishman or Leslie Thomas at (219) 886-7099.
Holiday Bazaar and Carriage Rides
The Broadway Area (CDC) will host a Yuletide Carriage Ride and Stepper Set at Marquette Park Pavilion for adults on Friday, Dec. 20 from 5:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. The fun continues Saturday, Dec. 21 with a Family Fun Day complete with vendors, holiday music, photos with Santa, food and more carriage rides. Individuals who are interested in being a vendor should call (219) 455-9725.
Trot for Toys 5K Run/Walk
A first annual “Trot for Toys” 5K Run/Walk and Kiddie Fun Run 1K will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10:00a.m. at Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd. Registration begins at 8:30a.m., and there is no cost to enter. Participants are instead asked to donate a new toy valued at $10 or more.
To register for the 5K, visit cause2compete.com. Each participant will receive a collector’s t-shirt from one of the previous races from around the region (while supplies last). Parking will be available in the main beach parking lot for $5 until 9:45a.m. For more information about the race, call Tom Taylor at (219) 395-4503.
For those who would like to donate toys to this cause, drop-off locations are listed below:
- Gary City Hall, 401 Broadway
- City Hall Annex, 839 Broadway
- Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd.
- Hudson & Campbell Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts St.
- Gary Housing Authority, 578 Broadway
All toys will be distributed to youth who are clients of several Gary shelters and residents in Gary Housing Authority properties.