10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Turkey Trots, Thanksgiving Dinners, Parades, and Christmas Craft Show


Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do! This weekend turkey trots, Thanksgiving dinners, twilight parade, Santa parade, concerts, Christmas craft show, beer tasting, and basketball camp are all on tap for a fun weekend in Northwest Indiana!

{valpo}9th Annual Turkey Trot {/valpo}{portage}9th Annual Turkey Trot {/portage}{laporte}9th Annual Turkey Trot {/laporte}
A holiday tradition since 2003, the Valparaiso Turkey Trot brings together families and friends from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan to kick off Thanksgiving Day. This Gold Cup Series Race includes a 10K Run and 5K Walk/Run through the streets of Valparaiso, Indiana.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner Being Served at St. Teresa
St. Teresa of Avila/Cafe Manna will host a Free Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday, November 22, 2012 serving from 12-1:30pm. Everyone is invited to attend.

{valpo}20th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner {/valpo}{portage}20th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner {/portage}{laporte}20th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner {/laporte}
The Salvation Army of Porter County will host its annual free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event has become an annual tradition for those in Porter County to enjoy a meal and share a time of fellowship on this great holiday. The dinner is free of charge. Everyone is invited and this allows those without the means or a family to enjoy a “family style” Thanksgiving Dinner with neighbors and friends.

Finish then Feast at the 12th Annual Turkey Trot
FINISH THEN FEAST is the theme of Portage Township YMCA’s 12th Annual Turkey Trot. The new walking and running courses will start and finish at the Portage Township YMCA and utilize the Rails to Trails. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go towards the Portage Township YMCA’s Youth Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance for children and families that are not able to afford programs and services at the Portage Township YMCA.

{valpo}Hometown Holiday Celebration Kicks Off with Twilight Parade {/valpo}{portage}Hometown Holiday Celebration Kicks Off with Twilight Parade {/portage}{laporte}Hometown Holiday Celebration Kicks Off with Twilight Parade {/laporte}
The Duneland community’s Hometown Holiday Celebration will begin right after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 23. The Celebration begins with free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Chesterton. The Annual Twilight Christmas Parade will step off from Chesterton Middle School at 5:30pm. Santa Clause will be in his house on Broadway following the parade.

Downtown La Porte Rolling Out the Red & Green Carpet for Santa
The 2012 Santa Parade on November 24, 2012 at 12:00pm in Downtown La Porte officially starts the holiday season. Following the parade will be a free, indoor screening of the popular film Prancer. The newly arrived Santa will be in his Chalet after the parade up until the giant tree lighting ceremony at 4:30pm. There will be train rides around the tree, free hot chocolate courtesy of B & J’s, and vendors selling goods at the Santa’s Village Winter Market.

Great Entertainment at Blue Chip Casino
After your family gatherings, head on over to Blue Chip for some great musical acts! On Friday, November 23, see The Neverly Brothers at 6 pm and Jamrose at 10:30 pm; Saturday, November 24 features Takabite at 6 pm and April’s Reign at 10:30 pm.

Shop for the Holidays at the Portage Parks Christmas Craft Show
The Portage Parks Department is hosting their annual Christmas Craft Show November 24th and November 25th at Woodland Park. Over 75 crafters will fill the Oakwood and Sycamore Halls at Woodland Park. This year, not only will homemade craft vendors be featured, but Buy-Sell vendors will also display as well.

Enhance Your Craft with Wise Guys Craft
Beer Lovers- join us for our Imperial Stout 101 Tasting on Friday, November 23, from 6-8 pm. Sample the great stouts of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Old Rasputin and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout. Plus, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout (a personal favorite) on sale $6.97/ 4 pack!

Valpo Vikings Hosting Black Friday Boys Basketball Camp
The Valparaiso Viking boys’ basketball program will be conducting a Black Friday Basketball Camp on Friday, November 23rd, 2012, for all boys in grades 1 through 5 from 9:00am to noon. All players will be coached in basic basketball skills by the Viking Coaching staff and players. There will also be a variety of games, contests, and prizes.

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