Hobart is sure making the most out of summer this year. From June 1st through August 31st, Hobart Events is hosting their weekly Summer Market on the Lake, an event combining live music, shopping, food trucks, and Movies in the Park into one night each week where families can enjoy some time together along Hobart's Lake George. The kick-off event did a great job of showcasing what to expect this year.
"We are so excited for opening day of the 2017 Market season. We have lots of new vendors and everyone's favorite ones are returning as well. We are looking forward to a terrific season!" exclaimed Nikki Lopez, Event Director for the City of Hobart.
The family fun features annual staples including bounce houses, face painting, balloons, and more. This year, though, Hobart Events is hoping to reach a new crowd with bringing new groups and organizations together at the Market, with each week hosting a special theme.
"This year we are showing The Sandlot, so we invited Hobart Girls Softball organization to come out and host a dunk tank where market-goers can dunk their councilmen, or the girls can dunk their coaches. It gives HGS a chance to get their name out in the community and advertise for their Fall Ball program," explained Lopez. "For the Secret Life of Pets we invited local animal shelters to the Market to bring dogs available for adoption too. My goal is to add something unique to the market while showcasing local not-for-profit groups in our community.”
At the end of the day, Hobart Events is all about bringing families together to enjoy all that Hobart has to offer, and what better place to do that than Festival Park at Lake George.
Taryn Jamison, a lifelong Hobart resident, has brought her young daughter to the Summer Market on the Lake for the past three years.
“It’s always a good, fun time,” explained Jamison. “Plus I know Lisa Ramos (one of the vendors).”
The event brings families from throughout Northwest Indiana - not just Hobart - to enjoy a nice evening on the lakefront. Having an audience presents a great opportunity for vendors to connect with residents to showcase their often-homemade products, food, and beverages.
Tony Schifino, President of the Hobart-based A.J. Specialties, has seen the value that the Summer Market on the Lake brings to his business of specialty and seasonal products directly to consumers.
“The people are really friendly here, I always get good traffic, and the city is really good to work with,” explained Schifino. “I just like the environment. They have movies at night and you’ve got the bands are playing, so there are really a wide variety of people.”
Each week, the Market will also feature local brew masters bringing out the brews for a "Brewfest" feel. St. John Malt Brothers was the featured brewmaster for the first market.
"Thursday in Hobart is the place to be," continued Lopez. "Residents from surrounding communities can enjoy not just a Market, but a free concert in the park, free movie in the Park, a craft beer garden and more. We have all of this in one place at one time. By grouping everything together, we can offer something for everyone!"
The Summer Market on the Lake continues every Thursday from 4:00pm until 9:00pm. The music starts every Thursday at 6:00pm in the Revelli Bandshell. The 2017 Summer Concert and Movies in the Park lineups include:
Date - Musician(s) - Movie
June 1 - Ron Barney
June 8 - TBA - Moana
June 15 - Mystic Fire - The Sandlot
June 22 - Jim Bulanda - Sing
June 29 - White Summer
July 6 - Gerry Hundt - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
July 13 - Upsidedown & Backwards - Trolls
July 20 - Eaten Alive - Monster Trucks
July 27 - Project Two - Up
August 3 - Buckdaddy
August 10 - Capurnamun
August 24 - NAVY Band
August 31 - Oscar and the Majestics
Hobart Events also has fun planned this year with their "Dive In Movie" showing of Jaws returning to the Hobart Community Pool on June 23rd, as well as The Great Hobart Hunt on July 20th.
The opening day vendor list included Toothache Bakery, Bienvenidos, Bub's Spuds, Dori's Food Stuff, N&A Jams and Candles, Peace Love & Grub, Panos Farm, Garwood Orchard, AJ Specialties, Noak's Popcorn, Ben's Soft Pretzels, Clark Natural Soap, Kona Ice of the Dunes, Once Again, All Soup'd Up, Level Up Beading, Tupperware, Brickie Gyros, Heflin Wood Crafts, Lulu's Licks, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Da Portable Rican, The Big Wiener, Henning's Greenhouse, Treasured Blessings, Melissa's Paparazzi Jewelry & Accessories, Maggie's Sweet Treats, Big Daddy's BBQ, Drawing With Fire - Henna Tattoos, Creations By Coffey, LuLaRoe, Laura Zato Art, Danny's Shadows, Cheesy Food Truck, Designer Desserts Bakery, and Sassy Girl Jewelry.
For more information on Hobart Special Events, be sure to follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and events! https://www.facebook.com/hobartevents/
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