Festival of the Lakes 2022 Mega Pass

The city of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. present the 18th year of the annual event, which is billed as “the best live musical festival in northwest Indiana,” from July 13 to 17 outdoors at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake Memorial Park.

Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 13-15; noon-11 p.m. July 16; noon-10:30 p.m. July 17.

“Every year we get bigger and bigger. We bring great headliners every year,” said Aileen Ibarra, event coordinator for Festival of the Lakes.

“It’s very diverse and represents our city.”

The music lineup includes Darius Rucker with opening act Jackson Dean and local opener Nate Venturelli on July 13 for Country Night, Counting Crows on July 14, Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 15, Rick Ross with The Lox on July 16, and Los Originales de San Juan with Código FN on July 17.

People who want to be closer for the concerts, which begin at 7 p.m., may purchase a VIP Experience pass, which includes entry at 6 p.m. to the VIP viewing section located in front of the stage.

“They’re much more close to the action. You literally have that front stage access and a little bit of behind-the-stage access. As long as we do not sell over our capacity, then VIP passes can be purchased on the day of,” said Ibarra of Hammond.

Other than the headliners who are each performing at Festival of the Lakes for the first time, the rest of the event will be filled with familiarity for longtime attendees.

“We have all kinds of food. We have tacos, funnel cakes, nachos, hot dogs, barbecue, etc.,” said Ibarra about the approximately 15 food vendors expected for Festival of the Lakes.

Modern Midways of Dyer provides a carnival each day with individual ride tickets for $1.25 each, 18 for $20 or 40 for $40 daily and single-day unlimited ride wristbands for $30 to use from 5 to 11 p.m. July 13 or noon to 5 p.m. July 16 or 17. These options can only be purchased in person at the festival.

A five-day carnival mega-pass for unlimited rides during festival hours is available for $60 until July 12 or $70 afterward.

“Festival of the Lakes brings people back together and it brings people who have decided to move out of Hammond or move out of the area,” said Ibarra, who is also special events coordinator for Hammond Parks & Recreation.

“I know a lot of families make it the time for them to be together. They come back and choose vacation during this time just to be able to come back and enjoy it with their family.”

Off-site special events include Senior Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13 at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York Ave., Whiting; and Polka Party with live music by The E-Z Tones, which were formed in Michigan City, from 2 to 6 p.m. July 17 at The Hammond Marina, 701 Casino Center Drive.

“Even if someone does not want to participate in any of the concerts we have on festival grounds, there’s always spinoff events, making Festival of the Lakes inclusive for everyone,” said Ibarra, who previously worked in McDermott’s office for four years prior to her current role with the city.

Special events that take place on July 16 on festival grounds include Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon, Morning Praise on the Lake from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Special Persons Day from 10 a.m. to noon and Kids Day at the Aquatic Play Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Other on-site special events include Hot Rod & Custom & Bike Show from noon to 3 p.m. July 17 and fireworks shows by La Porte-based Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions at 10:30 p.m. July 15 and 16.

“I think people look forward to Festival of the Lakes every summer,” Ibarra said.

People looking to jump-start the fun for Festival of the Lakes can participate in the Kathleen Pucalik Memorial 5K Roadie Run at 8 a.m. July 9 at Wolf Lake Memorial Park. Registration is $40 and open to walkers and runners of all ages. A free children’s race starts at 8:15 a.m. July 9.

Greenwood Avenue will be closed to thru traffic between Lake and Court streets while crews work on a retention pond north of the Lake County Fairgrounds beginning Monday in Crown Point. This section of road will be closed until late August. For more information, call 219-662-3250.

Festival of the Lakes Carnival Mega Pass now on Sale

Carnival Mega Passes are on sale now for use at the 18th Annual Festival of the Lakes to be held July 13 to 17 at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, 2324 Calumet Ave., Hammond. The Mega Pass is $60 in advance, and can be purchased online at www.festivalofthelakes.com, or in person from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hammond Civic Center Business Office, 5825 S. Sohl Ave. Passes also will be sold on site at the Modern Midways Ticket Booth at Wolf Lake Memorial Park for $70 each. The Mega Pass allows for unlimited carnival rides during the event. Once purchased, there are no refunds or exchanges. Mega Passes will be on sale until 4 p.m. on July 12 or while supplies last. For more information, call 219-853-6378.

Colors of the World Culture Fest in Munster

Munster Parks and Recreation will present “Colors of the World Culture Fest” from Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Centennial Park North Lot, 900 N. Centennial Drive, Munster. A celebration of multi-cultural and diverse communities, the event will feature live music, stage performers, cultural demonstrations and a Flavors of the World food court. Admission is free. More information is at 219-836-7275.

Program addresses concerns about falls

Purdue Extension — Lake County will host the four-week program, “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls,” on Wednesdays and Fridays in July. The eight-session series will be offered at two different times: from 10 a.m. to Noon; and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. CT. “A Matter of Balance” is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants will learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Space is limited. To register, email [email protected] or call Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240, and indicate preference for the morning or afternoon session. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. A workbook and snacks will be provided.

Mayor to host Tuesday Talks

Crown Point Mayor Peter Land will host Tuesday Talks at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at Lincoln Office, 1200 Arrowhead Court. The meeting is open to the public. More information can be found at 219-662-3250.

CURE offers online sessions for learners of all ages

Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of remote learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Adult Education, Reading Skills and Senior University programs. CURE is enrolling now for Fundamental Courses with 24/7 access for adults, young adults and teens. All classes start new every month. The cost varies. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board that provide interaction with classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel and A to Z Grant Writing. Enroll, learn more, or view all Fundamental courses at ed2go.com/iunadulted.