What’s recently happened?
With school letting out on June 4, Hobart has been busy with summer activities. From June 5-8, Hobart had its annual Lakefront Festival at Festival Park, a four-day event featuring live entertainment, an arts and crafts center, and food vendors. For many people, the Dam Duck Tape and Cardboard Boat Race, as well as the Rubber Ducky Race, are the highlights of the weekend.
During the Dam Duck Tape and Cardboard Boat Race, individuals must construct a boat entirely out of cardboard and race to the finish line. This year’s Rubber Ducky Race released thousands of ducks into Lake George, and 50 winners walked away with prizes. Robin Semento won the first place $1,000 prize from Milestone, Sheila Fobres won the second place $500 prize from Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union, and Catlyn Lewis won the third place $250 prize from Mayor Josh Huddlestun.
Hobart kicked off its Arts in the Park event on June 9 at City Ball Park, where children can enjoy different activities such as crafts and coloring, and the event runs through August 8. The Hobart Community Pool also opened on June 9, and it will remain open to the community until August 10. Whether it’s having fun at City Ball Park or swimming in the pool, you won’t want to miss it.
One of the best places to hang out this summer is the Thursday Summer Market on the Lake. From outdoor shopping to the Region’s best bands, the market has everything you need. Vendors sell baked goods, ethnic and gourmet foods, a children’s craft area, jewelry, handmade crafts, and so much more. Movies like “Moana 2” and “Snow White” will also be featured in the park. Admission is free for everyone who attends.
Festival Park and the summer activities are a staple of Hobart and a fun time for people of all ages.
What’s coming up?
Local residents are not the only ones who can enjoy the summer activities in the Hobart community. On June 28, the Hobart YMCA is hosting its 44th Annual Brickyard Run. There is a five-mile run for ages 15 and up, along with a five-kilometer run for ages 14 and under.
Participants compete for the legendary “brick” awards, and the race will start at Hobart Middle School with check-in being at 6 a.m. As a cornerstone of the community, the Hobart YMCA will be hosting many interactive activities during the summer, so be sure to stay tuned and sign up before spots run out.
On July 4, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce will host its annual 4th of July parade. Beginning at Hobart Middle School, the parade will start at 10 a.m. and go to Lincoln and 51 North to Third Street West to Wisconsin North, ending at Cleveland West. This year’s Independence Day celebration includes the parade, a festival, a concert, and fireworks at Festival Park.
During the parade, local businesses and community organizations will have the opportunity to make a float and pass out candy. Each year, the colorful floats in the parade represent the community and friendships in Hobart. Lively band music played by students in the Pride of Hobart Marching Band of Hobart High School and the Golden Ingot Marching Band of River Forest High School can be heard during the parade as they march with a variety of instruments—from flutes and clarinets to sousaphones and tubas—so make sure to claim your sport in the parade soon.
Community member spotlight:
Angelina Zepeda is a proud Hobart High School alum and a rising sophomore at Boston University majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on the pre-medical track. Her favorite parts about Hobart include cheering on the Brickies at football games, dining at Dairy Queen, and even reconnecting with her friends at Destination Park. Zepeda believes that Hobart’s strong foundation in holding pride, tradition, and connection have shaped her favorite parts about living in Hobart.
“If I had to describe my community in three words, I would use close-knit, grassroots-powered, and solution-driven,” Zepeda said. “Community doesn’t define where you live, but how you live with others. It’s about supporting those that have nurtured our growth and connecting with them to advance opportunities and progress propositions that will help us emerge as a neighbor, friend, individual, and most importantly, leaders. Embracing one another for who we are opens doors for meaningful relationships and serves as an example for those around us.”
Zepeda is actively involved in her community. Since her freshman year at Hobart High School, she has been an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing critical and life-saving support services to those in need.
“I began simply as a blood drive volunteer, where I greeted and registered blood donors, in addition to recruiting other student volunteers to create meaningful impact. Upon graduation, I carried this passion with me to college, where I currently volunteer both on campus at Boston University and in the Greater Boston area,” Zepeda said. “I am always fueled by unparalleled and diversified opportunities, as I know it will allow me to emerge as a leader moving forward.”
While Zepeda is busy being involved in both Hobart and Boston, she makes sure to dedicate time to her friends, family, and hobbies. Her work as a Hobart High School alum has not only opened doors, but it has inspired many Brickies of unlimited potential in these opportunities as long as you take advantage of them.
“In my free time, I enjoy reading, preferably non-fiction. I also enjoy volunteering, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family,” she said.
