by Becky Mateja Lombardini,
What do sports, fairs, ranges, ranches, and Labradors have in common? Mike Blythe of Valparaiso Indiana! Mike is the owner of Blythe’s Athletics, Blythe’s Horse Farm, Creekside Stable & Kennels and is an integral supporter of the Porter County Fair. Back in 1982, a young man from Griffith, Indiana ventured out to Valparaiso Indiana to bring his loves to the country. Still going strong 40 years later, Mike has touched the lives of many in the area from employees, letterperson jackets, and trophies to friends, pony rides, and pups.
A real family man, Mike learned from his grandparents, parents, and the Amish Community, many of the skills which have made him a success. And he’s especially happy to pass those on to his grandchildren. A plaque is proudly displayed of his Uncle, Rollin Blythe, and mentor in the Blythe’s barn. In fact, Blythe’s was recently awarded National Recognition of All Star Verified Independent Dealer by the National Sporting Goods Association for experience and service.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for our expertise and customer service. Our family has cared about this community for nearly 70 years and we understand what an important part sports plays in our lives. We are committed to do our part in making sure their experiences are memorable for the athletes, coaches, parents, teams, and schools,” Mike stated.
Mike has been especially busy the past few weeks getting ready for the Porter County Fair. Sometimes on the walkway with questions for prizes or inside the expo building with a super booth, he is always smiling and having fun. This year the innovator is excited to offer fair t-shirts, Amish pies, fair bears, tattoos, and barn rings coincidentally mimicking Elvis’ in the hot movie of the summer!
Blythe’s Athletics is located at 2810 Calumet Ave in Valparaiso, Indiana, 219-462-4412 and the original store his family founded 70 years ago is at 138 Broad St, Griffith Indiana, 219-924-4403. Blythe’s Horse Farm and Creekside Stable & Kennels can be contacted at 219-405-3898. There is always lots of great information on those facebook pages as well. When you are with Blythe’s you really are part of a great group, Blythe’s Team Sports, aka Family!
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Discover More About Valparaiso –
• Central Plaza Activity Center – Downtown Valparaiso
• Front Porch Music
• Concerts in Valparaiso
• Valparaiso Chocolate Walk
• Chicago Street Theatre
• Memorial Opera House
• Songbird B&B Awarded Best Romantic Getaway in Indiana!
• Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant
• Porter County Fair
• Central Plaza Ice Rink
• Hayrides at Rogers Lakewood Park
• Visit Gabis Arboretum
• Visit Ogden Gardens
• Hiking at Sunset Hill County park
• Calendar of Events In Valparaiso
• Hike the Moraine Nature Preserve
Surrounding Area:
• Things To Do In Chesterton
• Things To Do In Michigan City
• Things to do in Portage
• Things to do in Indiana Dunes
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
