Of Notoriety: Pierogi on parade, and puppets and '50s nostalgia on stage

Whiting’s Pierogi Fest, billed as one of the country’s “wackiest festivals,” returns to region spotlight this weekend in its 32nd edition. All of the favorite attractions and characters transform 119th Street in downtown Whiting as crowds immerse themselves in the highlights like Friday night’s annual Polka Parade, with eccentric perennial participants such as the Lawnmower Brigade as the finale unit. The marchers start at Forsythe Park, along the lure of assorted pierogi and other Eastern European food delights from vendors, and live music, including the Saturday night free stage showcase band Five for Fighting. Not to be missed on Sunday are the Pierogi Eating Contest and a Pierogi Toss Challenge. Guests are greeted by characters such as the signature mascot Mr. Pierogi and delicious pals Halupki Guy, Miss Paczki, and the ever-entertaining Buscias holding court with silly fun for all. For a full schedule of events, visit www.pierogifest.net.

FAMILY ART FUN

Arts and family entertainment are on display for all ages at the Family Arts Fest presented by South Shore Arts this Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. Guests can expect a host of opportunities, including live dancing and music performances, balloon making, face painting, the Rockopelli musical petting zoo and more. Food and beverage options are covered by vendors Brew Box Coffee, Chi-Nuts, Island Ice Shaved Ice and Tazones Food Truck. For the first time, the Family Arts Fest will also have outdoor activities, which include creating slap graffiti, paper journal making and a creative play station. The South Shore Arts Gift Shop and the gallery exhibition “My America” will be open for patrons. Admission is $5 per person, with more information available at www.southshoreartsonline.org or call 219-836-1839.

NAUGHTY PUPPETS

Dunes Arts Summer Theatre concludes its landmark 75th season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Avenue Q,” opening this weekend with a preview performance Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. and weekend performances running through Aug. 9. Winner of the 2004 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, “Avenue Q” premiered on Broadway in 2003 and features a cast of puppets and human actors. The clever musical uses humor and an original score to explore adulthood, relationships, careers and the search for purpose. Directed by Danny Kapinos with music direction by Aaron Kaplan, “Avenue Q” features scenic design by Michael Lasswell and is set in a rundown New York City apartment building on Avenue Q. It follows recent college graduate Princeton as he searches for “his purpose in life.” Along the way, he befriends an eclectic group of neighbors including the aspiring comedian Brian and his therapist fiancée, as well as kindergarten teaching assistant Kate Monster, investment banker Rod, slacker Nicky and former child television star Trekkie Monster. Don’t let the puppet cast fool you; this is a show for adult audiences. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.  Tickets are $15 to $35 at dunesARTS.org or call 219- 879-7509.

FIFTIES FUN

Join Canterbury Summer Theatre for a time machine stage story for their new production of “The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties,” conceived, written and with vocal arrangements by Rick Lewis. Running through Aug. 1, it features 40 tunes from the pop charts of the ’50s for a nostalgic musical showcasing a fictional girl group called The Taffetas from Muncie, Indiana, as they prepare to appear on the national network TV show powerhouse of the 1950s: “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The four sisters are small-town folks, naive and vulnerable with dreams to launch their singing careers. Located at 807 Franklin St. in downtown Michigan City, tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and $11 for students and veterans. Performances are at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 219-874-4269 or visit www.canterburytheatre.org.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected].