PURDUE EXTENSION OFFERS FOOD PRESERVATION PROGRAMS
Purdue Extension – Lake County will host two upcoming educational workshops. These programs will provide the basics in making a sourdough starter, and boiling water bath canning through education and hands-on workshops. Both programs will be held at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The fee for each is $30. The Sourdough Basics and Fermentation workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. Participants will learn the science of sourdough fermentation, the health benefits of natural fermentation, how to make their own starter from scratch, and sourdough baking basics and tasting. The Boiling Water Bath Canning – Jams and Jellies Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on two different dates: July 30 and Aug. 25. During this workshop, participants will receive resources and instruction on jams and jellies, and prepare and process a recipe to take home after the workshop. Register for these programs by contacting Diana Cook at the Purdue Extension office, [email protected], or by calling 219-755-3240.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONCERTS AT GABIS ARBORETUM
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 W 100 North, Valparaiso, will host five outdoor concerts during the Acorn Concert Series through Sept. 25 with a lineup of rock and pop tribute favorites. The 2026 season features acclaimed bands celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews, and Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. The series kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday with Fleetwood Mac tribute band Second Hand News. Opening act will be the Corey Denison Duo. Four more concerts follow: MegaBeatles (Beatles Tribute), 7 p.m. July 31 with opening act Steve Ball Duo with Heather Brickner; Hyryder (Grateful Dead Tribute), 7 p.m. Aug. 8; Trippin’ Billies (The Dave Matthews Band Tribute), 7 p.m. Sept. 4 with opening act Planetary Blues; and Sarah’s Place (Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan Tribute), 7 p.m. Sept. 25 with opening act Sarah Archer, featuring Josh Andrews. Gates open one hour before showtime. Concerts will be held rain or shine. Individual tickets are $23 in advance, increasing to $28 the week of the concert for non-members. Children age 12 and younger are free but must attend with a paying adult. Event parking is free but limited. Special member and season ticket pricing is available, including VIP season tickets that are on sale through Friday. Local food vendors will be on-site selling alcoholic beverages and food. No outside alcohol is permitted (coolers and personal items are subject to search). Friendly dogs on leash are permitted. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating. For more information on tickets, performers and the concert venue, visit pnw.edu/gabis-concerts.
WONDERFEST RETURNS TO SUNSET HILL FARM COUNTY PARK
A day of color, creativity and family fun returns to Sunset Hill Farm County Park as Wonderlane Events presents Wonderfest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 at 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso. In an immersive experience where imagination comes to life, guests will discover a park transformed with music and interactive experiences designed to spark joy across every generation. Throughout the day, guests can explore experiences such as character appearances, a foam party, face painting, hair braiding, a silent disco, shopping with more than 50 local businesses, makers and artisans, community organizations and family resources, and food vendors. Tickets are on sale now at buytickets.at/wonderlaneevents.
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM EARNS RECOGNITION
The Munster High School Strength and Conditioning Program, led by Coach Riley Edgerton, has earned the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) Program of Excellence Award. The prestigious recognition honors high school strength and conditioning programs that demonstrate exceptional professionalism, organization, athlete development and a commitment to industry best practices. Programs receiving the distinction undergo a comprehensive evaluation process that includes a detailed scoring rubric, verification by school administration and additional assessments designed to demonstrate the quality and impact of the program. The Program of Excellence recognition highlights the commitment of Edgerton and Munster High School to setting a high standard for student-athlete development and strength and conditioning.
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NWI MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION GOLF OUTING RETURNS
The Northwest Indiana Mason Contractors Association (NWIMCA) will host its annual golf outing Aug. 20 at White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk Drive, Crown Point. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The NWIMCA annual golf outing offers an opportunity for industry professionals to strengthen relationships, expand their networks and enjoy one of the region’s premier industry events. Registration is now open for sponsors and golfers, who will enjoy a VIP day of golf, networking, food and beverages, contests, raffles and premium golf gifts. Early registration is encouraged as the event sells out quickly. The price per foursome is $650. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for companies seeking to increase their visibility and engage directly with industry decision makers. All sponsors will receive a complimentary 2026 NWIMCA membership. Registration, more details and the chance to secure a sponsorship are available at www.nwimca.org/golf-outing.