Portage Township SummerFest Improves Parks Through Community Fun

The first day of the second annual Portage Township SummerFest went smoothly thanks to the efforts of the enthusiastic staff, wonderful sponsors and devoted SummerFest Committee members. The community is invited to celebrate the coming summer Friday from 5-11 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is a $5 entrance fee, but free admission is provided until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We put on this SummerFest for the community. It helps improve the parks, it brings vibrancy to the community and it brings a sense of togetherness. I don’t think there is a good enough description for our staff. They are very unbelievable; they go above and beyond to better assist families in everything they do,”Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy said.

The Carnival Preview, which occurred on June 12, was only the beginning of this magnificent festival; the amusement definitely doesn’t stop there. A family stage, friendly petting zoo, wacky water wars, energetic bounce houses, delicious food and live performances by 15 local bands are also included, plus more community fun.

“On stage we have a fantastic line up,” Clancy said. “We have a good variety of music from Celtic rock to classic rock to dance rock to country. There’s just a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s a nice mix. Red Rebel County from Chicago will be performing their Irish rock music. Jason Jake’s Band is a great country band. The Allen Wronko Band is the most popular country band within the region. We also have a lot of local groups performing. We just have a really good vibrancy of genres this year and we couldn’t be happier bringing them to the community.”

Thursday, the Jason Jakes Band, Chad Burton and Mr. Right all sang their way into the evening, while families, couples and friends also appreciated what the Portage Township SummerFest has to offer: enjoyment, delight and merriment. Everyone who comes to this charismatic festival is bound to leave content and also wondering what great events are going to happen next year.

Family Stage Entertainment is provided by Meijer on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. The South Haven Fire Department, Northwest Cheer Elite, Northwest Indiana Gymnastics Center, Jazzercise, George’s Exotic Animal Show, James O’Conner Martial Arts & Fitness, All-Star Angels, Toni’s Dance Academy, Portage Township School’s Elementary Honor Choir, and Bonner Center’s Choraleers and Dancers will all be showcasing their talents for their awaiting audiences.

“We have a wide variety of entertainment from an animal show to cheerleaders, martial arts, gymnasts, dancers and two acts from Bonner Center,” Portage Township SummerFest Committee Scheduler for the Meijer Family Stage Jessica Bailey said. “We also have the Portage Township Schools Elementary Honor Choir coming and the South Haven Fire Department, who will be doing a safety demonstration. Meijer has been great with having the sponsorship come through for the family stage so we are able to have it.”

Continuing Main Stage Entertainment includes: Friday, June 14th- <11, DreamZ and Allen Wronko Saturday, June 15th- Talent Show, 4 Us Cool Kids, Chris & Lou (Beatles Tribute), Tekila Rose, and Red Rebel County Sunday, June 16th- Lexi Elisha, SonDay Glory, Jack Straw, Eaten Alive, The Difference

“We want to thank our sponsors very much because without them this event would not be possible,” Portage SummerFest Vice Chairman Scott Williams said. “The whole idea of this event is to make money for our park system and with their help and generosity we are able to achieve our goal. Without them, all of this wouldn’t be possible.”

Again, a large thank you goes out to the SummerFest Sponsors that helped make the fest possible: NIPSCO, Meijer (Family Stage Sponsor) and Holiday Inn Express (Preferred Hotel of the 2013 Summer Fest).

Festival Feature Sponsors: The City of Portage, Reeder’s Auto Service Center, the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, rival print, United Steelworkers: USW, Circle “R” Electric, Rhame & Elwood – Attorneys at Law, SEH of Indiana, Great Lakes Port of Indiana, Bloomfield Mechanical, PortageLife.com, NWI Entertainer and Bounce ‘N Around.

Festival Friends & In-kind Sponsors: Alec Chase Designs, Best Glass Mirror & Shower Door, Bounce ‘N Around, Cender & Company, Centier Bank, Delta Painting, Family Express, Farm Bureau Insurance, Gary RailCats, Grant Street Monuments, Hatch Construction, Holiday Inn Express, Horizon Bank, Iron Workers Local 395, Kovenz Memorial, Mike’s Tree Service, NorthShore Health Centers, NWI Entertainer, Osan & Patton LLC, Portage Ace Hardware, Portage Exchange Club, Porter County Conservation Club, Portage Liquors, Pruzin Funeral Home, Rees Funeral Home, Randy & Robin Wilkening and The Office of John E. Hill.

Financial Support is also provided by The Indiana Dunes.

For more information, please go to Portage Township SummerFest Facebook page or call (219) 762-1623.

For a full photo gallery from day one of the SummerFest, follow this link!