Thousands Enjoy Fireworks on the Lakefront

Duneland-Fireworks-2012More than 13,000 people gathered at Indiana Dunes State Park on Tuesday, July 3 to enjoy the 4th Annual Fireworks on the Lakefront event. The celebration, which is presented by the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Town of Porter, is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Porter County.

Visitors were treated to a beer garden on Porter Beach and live music performances, fresh food vendors and extended swimming hours at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Later in the evening, a professional fireworks show was launched from a barge on Lake Michigan.

In addition to the thousands of Duneland area residents and visitors who watched the display from the beach, many more enjoyed the fireworks show while anchored off-shore. “I’d estimate that we had more than 100 boats in the water this year,” said Brandt Baughman, Property Manager of Indiana Dunes State Park. “This was a substantial increase over last year. Enthusiasm and attendance for this event keeps growing every year, and it’s great to see people enjoying the park during such a meaningful celebration.”

This event is such fun to present each year, and we’re so grateful to our many community partners, including the Porter County Commissioners, the Towns of Porter, Chesterton, and Burns Harbor, Duneland School Corporation, Indiana Dunes Tourism, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.” said Heather Ennis, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “This celebration wouldn’t be possible without their support.