What’s recently happened?
Whiting Lakefront Park recently hosted a fireworks show on July 3 and a Fourth of July parade in honor of celebrating the holiday.
“I love the Fourth of July. I feel like it’s such a fun holiday, and getting to dress in red, white, and blue as the theme is so fun. My friends and I love going together, getting food beforehand, and watching the fireworks while eating our food,” said Ximena Guzman, a senior at East Chicago Central (ECC).
The fireworks started at 10 p.m. and ended at around 10:30 p.m. with many fireworks going off the whole time.
“When I first got there, I didn’t know where to go because it was so packed. There were people walking around with chairs, blankets, coolers, and even tents. They were all either deciding where to go or finally setting up their stuff wherever they thought was the best place to watch the show. Thankfully, my friends and I got a good spot where we could see everything really well,” said Guzman.
People attending were encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy the beautiful view of the Chicago skyline and a spectacular show over Lake Michigan.
The Fourth of July parade began at 10 a.m. and lasted through many dances, food trucks, and attendees.
“I would recommend going to anyone, to be honest. I think it's fun, and getting to see the way everyone decorates their trucks or vans is really interesting,” said Guzman.
What’s coming up?
The annual Festival of the Lakes is finally here. The fest will begin on July 17 and last until July 21 at the Wolf Lake Pavilion.
“My friends and I go every year at least one day. I enjoy getting on the rides and walking around seeing people that I know from the past,” said Keyla Lopez-Morales, a sophomore at Hammond Academy of Science and Technology (HAST).
The festival will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 to Friday, July 19, and close at 11 p.m. On the weekend, the park will open at noon and close at midnight on Saturday, July 20, but it still closes at 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.
“I usually go around 7 p.m. and leave at 10 p.m. I’ve gone when it opens at noon, and I think it’s fine, but I believe it gets really fun once it gets dark due to all the lights around you. I love it when I’m on a ride and see all the lights and people,” said Lopez-Morales.
There is no fee for general admission to the festival, except on Saturday, July 20, when Marshmello performs. Tickets are available inside park grounds and ATM machines will be available as well.
General admission to the festival grounds includes the music concert, carnival, and food courts.
Community member spotlight:
Noemi Peña has been a member of the Hammond community since she and her husband bought a house in the area in 2009.
“I was born in Harlingen, Texas, and moved to Chicago, Illinois when I was 12 years old. I then met my husband when I was 16 and he was 21, and we’ve now been married for 20 years. Very soon after we had our first daughter, we had another baby. We then decided to come to Hammond, Indiana because we wanted to buy a house and so that our daughters could be in better schools,” said Peña.
Peña enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and having fun in downtown Chicago with friends. She also enjoys ending a long day with a walk accompanied by her husband.
“I love going for coffee with my two best friends. I also enjoy going to the gym with them as well as seeing new places. Right now, I am taking real estate classes because my husband fixes houses, so we thought it would be convenient for me to learn how to sell a house rather than pay someone else to do it. Once I finish my classes, I’m going to become property manager for the units we have for rent,” said Peña.
After Peña and her husband moved to Hammond, Indiana they decided to wait seven years before having two other children.
“Having four kids is hard, but it’s also different from others. I have two older ones that have always helped a lot with their two other younger siblings. I believe that’s what makes me 100% glad I had them apart and would recommend it to any other parent. I also have one pet and he is a three-year-old King German Shepard,” said Peña.
