With fall in full swing and winter on its way, the Region is entering a time of end-of-year activities that help everyone stay connected through the colder months. In the City of La Porte, annual traditions and new favorites are happening throughout the rest of the year to celebrate holidays, the people of La Porte, and just how fun it is to live in Northwest Indiana.
Quickly approaching are the city’s scheduled trick-or-treating and a performance at the La Porte Civic Auditorium by Rascal Flatts Frontman Gary LeVox. The performance by LeVox will take country fans on a journey through Rascal Flatts’ 20-year discography in a night attendees won’t soon forget.
“Gary LeVox will be here on Friday, October 27,” said Brett Binversie, director of the Civic Auditorium and city events. “95% of his set is going to be the hits from Rascal Flatts from 2000 to 2020, where they dominated the country charts with 17 number-one singles.”
The month of November is seeing the return of several city favorites with La Pour on the 11th and the Santa Parade on the 25th. The La Pour Brew & Wine Fest brings Region residents from La Porte and beyond to the city for a chance to try drinks from several local breweries and wineries. The Santa Parade always draws a huge crowd as children come to see Santa arrive in the city. The parade will follow the same route as last year.
“The parade will take place starting at 3:30 p.m. on the corner of Tipton and State Street and follow the same route as last year,” said Binversie. “Santa will be dropped off at Plaza 618, and his chalet will be there through Christmas.”
Once Santa is dropped off at Plaza 618, a ceremonial tree lighting will take place to conclude the parade.
December also sees a return of its own; the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk will be taking place the morning of Saturday, December 9 and serves as a perfect way for La Porte residents to connect with some of their local business owners.
“As long as you purchase a cookie tin that we will make available the week before Thanksgiving, you are able to walk around to participating businesses and get cookies as you walk throughout our downtown community,” said Binversie. “It's a great way for people to see our downtown and also be exposed to many of our businesses throughout the area.”
Throughout November and December, the newly renovated Civic Auditorium will also be hosting a series of concerts, events, and public gatherings. One of the most exciting events happening is the launch of Christmas at the Civic Holiday Pop-Up Market, an experience that will give attendees the opportunity to shop from local artisans as well as help others receive a good Christmas from donations.
“It's going to be filled with over 30 vendors, raffles, gift wrapping via a donation by a couple of local charities, a cash bar, and a KidZone on our lower level for kids,” said Binversie. “It's just going to be a great event, and we're looking forward to this. It is our first pop-up market here at the Civic sponsored by the Civic concert series, and that's going to be on Sunday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
Other performances, events, and gatherings at the Civic Auditorium throughout the rest of the year include:
Veterans Day Ceremony at the Civic on Nov. 10
Rumors: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute on Nov. 18
Clown Tower Comedy presents Bobcat Goldthwait on Nov. 25
The Highwayman Christmas Show on Dec. 16
E5C5P3 with Hot Blooded on Dec. 29
Events like these wouldn’t be possible without active support from the community. From showing up to spreading the word to volunteering for events, the La Porte community has helped the fun keep going throughout the years.
“We have a community that supports a lot of our events, and we're very thankful for that,” said Binversie. “A lot of people used to always say that there wasn't much to do in the City of La Porte, and we think we've proven otherwise. There's always a lot going on.”
The fun doesn’t end with the year though! To stay updated on everything happening at the La Porte Civic Auditorium or to purchase tickets for performances as far in the future as March of 2024, visit laportecivicauditorium.com.
Keep abreast with everything happening in the City of La Porte from festivals to parades by visiting cityoflaporte.com.
