Genie Castillo, of Valparaiso, was looking for a unique way to celebrate her son Ray Paz’s birthday. While discussing options, Ray mentioned attending the 2017 Beatles Fest celebration in downtown Hammond.
“I’m a longtime Beatles fan,” Ray said, as his family arrived to be first in line for this year’s show. “I thought this would be a perfect way to celebrate my birthday; and having my family here makes it even more special.”
Fifty-three years ago, the Fab Four brought a sharp, one-of-a-kind rock and roll music style to America.
Little did they know those efforts to make it big would develop into something never before — or since — seen in a rare, long-standing popularity enjoyed by all ages of listeners.
The legend continues, as evidenced by the die-hard fans visiting the 12th annual Beatles Fest in downtown Hammond.
“It’s amazing how our attendance has grown,” founder and promotor John Vezmar said. “When you think of certain types of music, you usually think of a specific era. Not so with the Beatles — they are a classic, just as popular today as they were years ago.”
Beatles Fest began in 2005, with Vezmar’s idea of honoring the Beatles with a two-hour show.
His image didn’t extend beyond that one night, which had two bands playing for 75 attendees. He didn’t foresee the event would continue annually as an all-day event with multiple bands and throngs of visitors.
Ken and Kari Harrington, of Michigan City, have attended for the past 10 years.
“Beatles Fest is on our calendar every year,” Kari said. “And this year we bought Grandma and Grandpa. They love this music as much as we do.”
Youngsters also kept busy with four bounce houses, and vendors sold various T-shirts and memorabilia. Some fans staked out spaces near the beer garden, while others wanted to get up close, filling in the many rows of seats in the VIP section in front of the stage.
There also were those whose only mission was to dance the night away.
“With all these people here, there’s not always a place to sit down,” Megan Patrick, of Highland, said with a laugh. “That’s OK. I love to dance. And with all this great music, how can you sit still?”
Headliner MegaBeatles, who also played last year, performed as the last band of the evening.
Continuous music from other bands flowed as soon as the doors opened at noon. In order of appearance were Hail Mary, Rooftop, Rocketbeat, Nomad Planets, Rosie & The Rivets and The McCartney Years. The crowd also listened to Rhythm Scholar during the intermissions.
“I’ll sleep good,” said Jessica Klinger, of Munster. “This fresh air, one-after-another of all those great Beatles songs, and dancing with my friends — it’s all good, very cool.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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