"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center

You know it’s the holiday season when it’s time to unwrap the"A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit, on display at Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. If you have never been to this spectacular display, then you don’t yet know what you’re missing! This exhibit is free to view and is open from November 11 - December 30, 2023. This year is extra special as it marks the 40th anniversary of the "A Christmas Story" classic and Ralphie & the Gang are coming home to Hammond! Mark your calendars and meet the cast on Dec. 16 & 17, 2023!  This annual exhibit is centered on the popular movie - I am sure you have seen once, twice, or more than 20 times - “A Christmas Story.” The six Macy’s window displays showcase the fictional town of Hohman which is really, low and behold, the author (and movie narrator) Jean Shepherd’s hometown, Hammond, Indiana…

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Getting Creative at Art Barn's Art Blitz

Art Blitz for 2024 is set for September 21, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. My teenage daughter, Jules and I both enjoy entertaining our artistic sides every once in a while, though she draws a lot more than I do at this point in my life. So this past September weekend we decided to visit Art Barn School of Art in Valparaiso for their annual Art Blitz - a day full of live art demos and creative activities for all ages. It was the first time I’ve had a chance to visit the school and I’m so glad we went…

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Big Groups, Big Fish, Big Fun on Lake Michigan

Going fishing is many things to many people. That’s one of the allures of the sport. For some, the solitude of the game is what’s important. It’s man against the fish. The angler chooses when, where and how to fish and success is a quiet joy. For others, fishing is quality time with family. It could be father and son, brother and sister or generational, with Grandpa, parents and children involved. Catching a fish is a sidelight to just being together and enjoying the outdoors together.  But occasionally, fishing can be the star of the party and become the party. It could be a corporate outing designed as a team-building event or a reward for a job well done. It could be a family reunion, involving brothers, uncles, sisters and nieces. How about bachelor parties, graduations – you name it and with a little work and planning – a summer fishing outing on Lake Michigan can be a memory maker! …

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