2014 brought with it some amazing events and occurrences. Festivals, parties, concerts, fundraisers, Northwest Indiana saw a lot of entertaining things this year. We at ValpoLife got to be part of it all, and what's even better is that we got to share it with you. So let's take a look back on what the year had to offer us in our annual Top 10 piece.
Take a look below to see the Top 10 Entertainment Articles of 2014!
1. 2014 Popcorn Festival
On Saturday morning, September 6, 2014, the streets of downtown Valparaiso were buzzing with excitement and electricity in anticipation of events of the big day ahead at the 36th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival! Vendors arrived early to set up booths and began sales at 7 a.m.
2. The 2014 Valpo Brewfest was Firkin Amazing!
This is my third year covering the Valpo Brewfest. It's only my favorite event of the year. People having a good time, breweries showing off their craft, a great setting, and so...much...beer.
3. Making Dreams Come True: Avalon Springs First Prom Night for Residents
On Friday, May 9th, residents of Avalon Springs Health Campus were able to relive their Prom night by getting dressed up for an evening of festivities including dinner, dancing, and the crowning of three Kings and Queens.
4. Ringing in the Spring Celebrates 20 Years of Running
Ringing in the Spring rang in again on a sunny and brisk Saturday morning at the Valparaiso YMCA. The race is a 5K and 10K and it is held each year to benefit the YMCA and its fitness programs. Around 1,700 people joined in this year from all over Northwest Indiana to participate in the annual event.
5. Taltree Brings a Paris Tradition, Picnic en Blanc, to Northwest Indiana
A tradition has made its way to Northwest Indiana. Taltree Arboretum and Gardens hosted their first ever Picnic en Blanc on Saturday. The event calls for all of its attendees to be decked out head to toe in white to celebrate in an "elegant affair."
6. Nothing Keeps Third Coast Spice Cafe Down
As many of you know, there was a small fire at Third Coast Spice Cafe in Chesterton. No one was hurt, but there was some smoke damage. And that means that the doors to Third Coast will be closed temporarily until everything is fixed and Chef David Wodrich and his wife Lisa are ready to welcome guests back into the restaurant.
7. 50 Fit & Fabulous Fits the Bill as a Fun Fundraiser
Valpo showed off it's stylish side on Thursday night at Valparaiso Family YMCA's 3rd Annual 50 Fit & Fabulous Style Show. The event brought together local clothing stores, salons, and YMCA families together to show off what Northwest Indiana has to offer in the fashion department.
8. Valparaiso Schools Come Together to Celebrate 2014 "This Is Our Story"
It is truly hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon us! Every year along with the Christmas season, the Valparaiso Community always look forward to the annual "This Is Our Story" festival in which students from every grade, K-12, participate in from all the Valparaiso Community Schools. On the first night of this year's program, our expectations as spectators and parents alike were fulfilled above and beyond of the amazing talent within the Valparaiso schools.
9. NIETF Recognized Theatre Talent at Annual Gala
The Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation held its annual Foundation Awards Gala at Valparaiso University on Saturday evening. Each fall, nominees are announced from that year's viewers ratings of each eligible play and musical produced at a member theatre including acting, directing, designing and other specialized categories.
10. The 2014 Porter County Chamber Network Night Was a Golden Opportunity for Businesses
Chamber members and guests were invited to join Porter County's Largest Chamber Expo on Thursday afternoon at the Porter County Expo Center. This is one of the best events for local businesses to gather and show off their wares while learning about other businesses and making the community aware of their presence. It's the most positive triple threat you will ever see!