BY GLENDA WINDERS
Spring has sprung, and in the City of Whiting that means getting outdoors and enjoying seasonal events — some one-of-a-kind and others that last all summer long.
“Spring is special in Whiting because it marks the beginning of our events,” said Sarah Creel, Director of Special Events. “The first big one is the Easter Parade and Egg Hunt. Then once these are completed our little city by the lake hits the ground running. With the weather starting to warm up, there is always something to do in our small town.”
You’ve got from May to August to head out to Oil City Stadium and catch a Northwest Indiana Oilmen baseball game. There’s plenty of family-oriented fun at the ballpark, too, so take the kids with no worries. Everyone is going to have a great time.
Every third Wednesday during the months of May to October plan to gather in Downtown Whiting for Cruise Nights. This is when owners of automobiles older than 1999 line 119th Street and car buffs gather for music, raffles and fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. While you’re here, have a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant and take advantage of the opportunity to shop at stores that are open late.
On Saturdays during spring, summer and fall the best place to be is the Whiting Farmers Market in front of City Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spruce up your meals with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, dress up your table with colorful flowers and browse the many booths that offer arts and more.
May 12 is when you’ll want to help celebrate Arbor Day at the Whiting Lakefront Park Pavilion. Bring the kids to help the Whiting Parks Department plant the Arbor Day Memorial Tree. Then come May 21 you’ll want to dress up in your best hat, pack up your best teacup and head for the Whiting Robertsdale Historical Society Ladies Tea Event.
Perhaps your own cup of tea would be to browse the 200 combined yard and garage sales at Garage Mahal. This two-day (May 20 and 21) event is organized by the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce and lasts from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. That gives you all day to browse and very likely find exactly what you want.
The Memorial Day Parade and ceremony at the Memorial on 119th Street and Oliver will give everyone the opportunity to honor those who have served in the country’s defense and some who paid the ultimate price.
Be sure and mark your calendar for June 17! That’s opening day at WhoaZone at Whihala Beach on Lake Michigan and the day you can start to enjoy the floating water park with its slides, trampolines, towers, wiggle bridges, monkey bars and obstacle course. The park will close at 6 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to get to that evening’s Oilmen game.
For more information visit: www.whitingindiana.com
