Hammond Marina Coordinator Susan Tabers said there will be plenty of family fun at the marina this summer.
Venetian Night August 9 is free to the public and there is no charge for parking, Tabers says. In addition to an amazing fireworks display at 9 p.m., Venetian Night festivities begin at 3 p.m. with children’s games on the beach and patio, an adult cornhole tournament, beer garden, food and music by the popular band 1540. This year’s theme is “Under the Sea.”
Last year, Venetian Night attracted more than 1,000 people, Tabers said.
The Hammond Marina Sail-A-Way program is a learn-to-sail program that provides classroom and on-water sailing instruction for both the able bodied and disabled. Sailing is enjoyed aboard uniquely designed Freedom Independence 20-foot sailboats. Active students are encouraged to learn to sail independently on Lake Michigan. 12 hours of Instruction, six two-hour lessons) plus books and materials are included. Lesson times can be reserved in advance and scheduled for participants’ convenience. The one-to-four instructor/student ratio is emphasized. Participants are eligible to rent the sailboats once they complete the course and pass the Skipper Check Out. Sail-A-Way fees are adults $175 and children under 16 $75 and include all materials.
The city of Hammond will host a free polka party as part of its eighth annual Festival of the Lakes, Tabers said. The free event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. July 24 at the marina. The band Ampol Aires will provide music. The Cavalier Inn will be selling food at the event.
Wolf Lake Coordinator Jill Gajewski says the lake will also be busy this summer.
The annual July 4 naturalization ceremony will feature the Bill Porter Orchestra and fireworks.
Gajewski said Radio Disney is hosting a dance party at the Aug. 30 Disney Night. Disney Night has become an annual tradition, Gajewski said. After the 6:30 p.m. dance party, the sing-along-version of “Frozen” will be shown at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Gajewski says Saturday, August 2 is the Wham Bike Ride. The ride kicks off at Midnight. Riders will enjoy a 30-mile scenic route. Each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt and there will be live entertainment, giveaways, and breakfast. This year a ten-mile option is being offered, Gajewski says. She said the Wham ride, which is in its third year, has steadily grown. Last year there were 1,000 riders, Gajewski says.
The Northwest Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Kirk Muspratt, performs Aug. 1 and the Special Needs Dance is set for Aug. 29.
The Wolf Lake Splash Pad is open daily and is very affordable for families, Gajewski said.
For information on Wolf Lake programs call (219) 937.7942 or visit
wolflakepavilion.com. For information on the Hammond Marina, call (219) 659-7678 or visit hammondmarina.com.