Taking the time to celebrate community is a beautiful thing. On Saturday, February 18 the City of Hammond held its seventh annual 219 Day to show some Region pride and celebrate everything that makes the Region the tight-knit community that it is. People traveled from all over the place to join in the festivities–for some, it was just the next city over, for others it was quite a trip. Either way, the event was the perfect way for everyone to kick back together and connect through a common passion.
“I just hope everyone soaks in everything that the Region has to offer. A lot of people travel here from out of town because they grew up in this area and they want to spend a night back at home and I want them to soak in every second of it. I want them to have fun with their families, catch up with friends, and make some memories,” said Aileen Ibarra, special event coordinator.
Making memories was no problem. The theme of this year’s 219 Day was the groovy 70s and everyone wholeheartedly embraced it. Even way before the start of the event, people couldn’t contain their excitement.
“We’ve had people constantly calling for weeks to ask when the merchandise was going on sale. February 18 comes around and people just get so excited knowing that it’s almost 219 Day. It’s amazing,” said Ibarra.
At the event, the band Disco Circus brought the 70s to life with a spectacular performance. People boogied their hearts out and sang along to their favorite tracks as loud as they could. For attendees looking to have some extra fun, there were countless things to partake in such as glow-in-the-dark axe throwing, nine square volleyball, temporary tattoos, arcade games, and a selfie booth to take goofy pictures with a cutout of Mayor Tom McDermott Jr.
As if all that wasn’t enough, people got to put their pinata-breaking skills to the test on the Region Rat pinata. People cheered as their companions vigorously swung–some successfully and others not so successfully. It was a great way to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Of course, it wouldn’t have been 219 Day without the representation of many local restaurants and breweries. California Doughnuts and Gomez Tacos and Pizza provided delicious food that people couldn’t get enough of while 18th Street Brewery, Byway Brewing, Crown Brewing, Calumet Breweries, and Manic Meadery served up delicious drinks. Bringing in these local gems was the perfect way to celebrate all things Region.
The event was ultimately such a good time that everyone was already eagerly looking forward to next year’s 219 Day. Ibarra shared how hopeful she is that next year they can tie in even more ways to celebrate the Region.
“I hope in the future we continue to stay true to the event and continue to represent all of the good that the Region has to offer whether it’s inviting more local breweries or local restaurants or other small things that tie back to the Region,” said Ibarra.
Overall, the event was a huge success. People laughed until they cried, people danced until they dropped, and, most importantly, people connected like never before.
“I hope that it continues to be a night where people can connect with others for years to come,” said Ibarra.
To learn more about the City of Hammond, visit https://www.gohammond.com/. Like this comment
