We published hundreds of articles on the Portage.Life Entertainment Section this past year. We were there for the concerts and theatre productions, parades, and annual celebrations. With so much to choose from, we knew it would be a difficult choice, so we rounded up the best of the best for you!
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Without further ado (and in no particular order), here are the Top 10 entertainment articles from Portage.Life in 2019!
Hannah’s Hope holds 10th Annual Craft and Vendor Fair at Portage High School
The parking lot at Portage High School was bursting at the seams — an unusual scene for a chilly November Saturday — but it wasn’t because of a sports event, practice session or voting. This Saturday was the 10th Annual Craft and Vendor Fair to benefit Hannah’s Hope, and the fieldhouse at the high school was filled to capacity.
Advanced Dental Concepts offers Halloween Candy Buy Back event
Advanced Dental Concepts offers $1 per pound for un-opened candy during their Halloween Candy Buy Back event (up to $5) along with peace of mind for their parents knowing that their children won’t be coating their teeth in sugar all month. The candy received will be donated to the troops at Operation Gratitude. Children can also create cards to send to overseas troops at the event as well.
Rockin’ Brew Fest brings down the house at Silvercreek Event Center
Beer, food, football, and live music is all you need on an October Sunday evening. For the past four years people all over Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois have come to the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich., to get a taste of the season at the Rockin’ Brew Fest. Fall beers, summer beers, lager, IPA, stout, cider, you name it, it was on the line up for the 20 breweries in attendance. More than 1,200 people attended the event, as they do every year, and the event center was nothing but chill vibes and happy faces.
NorthShore Health Center provides fun and festivities at Trunk or Treat event
Every year, NorthShore Health Center’s Annual Trunk or Treat Event in Portage draws in the best fairies, superheroes, princesses, clowns, and wizards that NWI has to offer. This year was no different, as hundreds of children lined up to be greeted by workers, have fun, and get some awesome candy. Families enjoyed the event as much as the children, with a closed-in lot at the Neighbors Educational Opportunities (NEO) building providing a safe area to enjoy trick or treating.
Frightful Fun for the residents of Rittenhouse Village at Portage
Residents at Rittenhouse Village at Portage got to show off their spookier side to friends and family at the Monster Mash-Bash Thursday. Those who gathered together had a chance to come out, eat, socialize, and have a good time, all while enjoying a blast from the past with some music by Frank Sinatra.
Portage High School Thespians presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
The Portage High School Thespians put on yet another outstanding show as they presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on April 26th, 27th, and 28th. The musical, directed by PHS’ theater teacher, Mahaffa Thompson, included exciting twists and turns and displayed all of the actors’ and actresses’ talents. Vocals were led by Jordan Dollins. The pit orchestra was directed by the school’s music teacher Drew Rhoda, while his wife Annie Rhoda directed choreography.
Knocking pins, smashing strikes for a great cause
When serious bowlers can come together for a shot at some decent prize money, and families and kids can participate, too, you know you’ve created the perfect atmosphere for a bowling fundraiser to top all others. This is what the annual Shamrock Shootout does for Hannah’s Hope—a local non-profit that provides developmental equipment to kids with special needs and connects families by making life and communities more accessible.
Strack & Van Til catering simplifies party planning
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday party season! With so many events and preparations to organize, who has the time to constantly check on the food in the oven? That’s where Strack & Van Til’s catering department can help.
Portage High School Thespians celebrate opening night of “Check Please!”
Lots of excitement, nerves, and tears filled the auditorium before the show began. A cast and crew of almost 50 students perfected the sound, make-up, costume, and most importantly,the turn table set while trying to prepare themselves for the big night. “Check, Please!” follows a series of blind dates that couldn’t get any worse… until they do. Especially when your date happens to be a raging kleptomaniac, or your grandmother’s bridge partner, or a mime, you start to wonder if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
Leaders share stories of strength at courage summit
Inspiring. Beautiful. Authentic. Those words were the theme of this year’s 2019 Courage Summit. With heartfelt speeches from an all-star panel, the TEDx-style event brought people together to witness strength through storytelling Thursday morning. Attendees filled the Duesenberg Recital Hall on Valparaiso University’s campus to listen to stories of real people and their moments of courage and resilience.
