We published several hundred photos to PortageLife.com this year. Photos of local schools, sporting events and more in Northwest Indiana were fair game for good news.
Have a good story to share? It is still as easy as ever to share your story with us! Just send an email to share@nwindianalife.com and we’ll be on it!
Without further ado (and in no particular order), here are your Top 10 Photo Galleries in Northwest Indiana from 2016!
2016 Portage Independence Day Parade
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Even with a new award for Best Performance this year, the stars of the Fourth of July Parade were not on a float or handing out candy. Instead, the two baby bison known as April and Mabel stuck their hooves outside City Hall to complete the “Bison”-tennial theme of the parade to commemorate Indiana’s 200th birthday.
Graduation Station 2016
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Of all the events we see throughout the year, graduations and commencements are the ones that most embody our good news mission. To see all the hard work put in and out of the classroom by students, parents, teachers, coaches, families and friends culminate in one event, with everyone across the school celebrating the same thing, it's just awesome.
2016 Portage Outstanding Young Man Competition
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A head of hair did a world of good for Portage senior Matt Elish, who introduced himself as his parents’ “least-bald son” during the Casual segment at the 2016 Outstanding Young Man Scholarship Competition Finals.
Portage Distinguished Young Woman Awards 2016
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From the time it took her to move from her spot among 18 other junior girls to center stage, Emma Havrilla’s face was already wet with tears. She was not crying from sadness, disappointment or fear. Instead, she was expressing the excitement of being crowned Portage’s 2017 Distinguished Young Woman while attempting to come to terms with the shock of the announcement.
Portage Christmas Festival 2016
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The Portage Christmas Festival and the Kiwanis Club’s Toys for Tots Friendsgiving “Linner” was held at Fountain Square this year, where the police and fire departments' annual festivities were connected Founder's Square Park for the first time.
2016 Portage Community and Business Night
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The annual Portage Community and Business Night (PCBN), hosted by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, took place at Woodland Park on April 21, bringing in hundreds of visitors for one of the greatest networking nights of the year for the city. PCBN is in its 13th year and it’s the best place and time for businesses to connect with one another, and for the community to see all of the great offerings that are right in their backyard.
2016 Portage High School Homecoming Parade
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Excitement levels were high as Portage football players, cheerleaders, students, teachers, and residents gathered Thursday evening for the annual Portage High School homecoming parade. In anticipation for the big game Friday night against Michigan City, everyone attending was in high spirits, gleaming with Portage Pride.
2016 Portage Parks Daddy Daughter Dance
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Corsages were passed out and dates stood in line for pictures Friday night at Woodland Park, but instead of Prom or Homecoming, the Portage Parks Department held a dance for a much more special group of dates – girls and their fathers. The Daddy-Daughter Dance, an annual Parks event, captured the hearts of Portage families once again with a night filled with balloons and dancing.
2016 Varsity Gymnastics - Portage vs Valparaiso
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The Portage - Valpo gymnastics rivalry is unmatched in the state, and we caught the meet between the two schools, which also doubled as senior night!
Portage Brewfest 2016
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The Portage Brewfest is the YMCA’s biggest fundraiser. Over 200 people come every year to support the YMCA, sample local craft beers, and have a good time with their community.