The 2022 Annual WinterFest, organized by the La Porte Park and Recreation Department, returns January 27-39th, 2023, with many of the events enjoyed over the past years as well a couple new twists to bring a blast of winter fun to town. Check back often for updates to the WinterFest line up!
FRIDAY – JANUARY 27
ICE SCULPTURING DEMONSTRATIONS – FREE Friday afternoon – Plaza 618 – Downtown La Porte
Ice, ice, baby! Our downtown will transform into a frozen art gallery at Plaza 618. Enjoy the creative designs as you peruse the offerings at local shops, enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants and enjoy some time on this year’s ice skating rink! Sponsored by: NIPSCO and City’s Pure Ice
WinterFest – Ice Sculpturing Demonstration Flyer
SATURDAY – JANUARY 28
ICE FISHING DERBY – De Camp Band of Brothers 6 a.m.-2 p.m. – Pine Lake
Haul in that big fish or just recall the one that got away! Put on your thermal underwear, cast those lines, compete for prizes and share your stories at The Blue Heron Inn, after the derby. Registration begins at 5 a.m. at 1110 Lakeside Street. Fee is $60.
SNOWBALL SOFTBALL COED TOURNEY 9 a.m. – Lions Field
Dashing through the snow, turning double plays! Get your team together for our version of the “hot stove” league. Double-elimination tournament; limited to the first eight teams to register. Pre-registration required. Team enty fee $185. Deadline to enter is Friday, January 20.
Snowball Softball Coed Tournament – Rules
Snowball Softball Coed Tournament – Roster Form (printable)
Snowball Softball Coed Tournament Event Flyer
INTRODUCING KIDS GYMNASTICS – FREE 11 a.m.-noon – Civic Auditorium – Lower Level
Flip the winter gloom away! Come and join certified instructor Christie Trksak as she introduces gymnastics to the Park and Recreation activities! Full classes will begin later this Spring, but come try a FREE introduction and meet our instructor during WinterFest! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Waiver required.
WinterFest Introduction to Gymnastics Flyer
PARTIES ON THE GOGH PAINTING CLASS 1-3 p.m. – Civic Auditorium – Ceramics Room
What is winter without a cute penguin to make you smile? Don’t like the wet snow and cold? Here is a WinterFest event just for you! This is a class for all ages. Pre-registration is required with a $35 fee payable at the Park Office. All supplies and instruction are included.
WinterFest Parties on the Gogh Painting Class
FROSTY’S FROZEN BIKE RIDE – FREE 1-3 p.m. – Cummings Lodge
Feeling the winter blahs? Riding a bike in the winter will help beat back those wintertime blues. The event starts at noon with registration while the pedaling takes off at 1 p.m. Participants will take a leisurely one-hour ride and return to Cummings Lodge for some snacks and hot chocolate. Check your tires, bundle up (layers are recommended), grab your helmet and let’s cruise together!
WinterFest – Frosty’s Frozen Bike Ride Flyer
Frosty’s Frozen Bike Ride Waiver (Required)
GLOW IN THE DARK SCAVENGER HUNT – FREE 5-7 p.m. – Fox Park Amphitheater
Join us for a breath of fresh air while combing the park for glow in the dark clues to complete your assigned riddle. The park will be used as a template for glow in the dark letters when combined will allow you to successfully complete your challenge. Wear your boots, bundle up and bring your flashlight for the return of this fun WinterFest event!
WinterFest Glow In The Dark Scavenger Hunt Flyer
SUNDAY – JANUARY 29
PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Kiwanis Club of La Porte 7:30-11:30 a.m. – La Porte Armory
Make sure you stop out at the La Porte Armory to get some yummy warm food before heading out to enjoy the final day of WinterFest. The return of the Kiwanis Club of La Porte’s all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast has been greatly anticipated! The breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage and refreshments. The event is FREE with all donations benefiting La Porte County 4H.
ICE SKATING – FREE ENTRY 1-8 p.m. – Downtown La Porte Ice Rink
Glide yourself into a day of enjoyment! Bundle up and come ice skate in Downtown La Porte. Located at Monroe and State streets. Skate time is FREE by entering the discount code WINTERFEST during checkout. Skate rental available for $3. A signed waiver is required. Reserve your spot at www.laporteparkandrec.com.
HORSE DRAWN WAGON RIDES – FREE 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Cummings Lodge
Jingle, jingle, jingle. Take a brisk ride through the beauty of wintry nature while enjoying the majesty of the equine. After a trot through Soldiers Memorial Park, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace. Sponsored by: Hubers Marine.
WinterFest Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Flyer
SNOW ART – LaPorte County Parks – FREE 2-4 p.m. – Luhr Park Nature Center
Join Ranger Laura for some fun snow art (weather dependent), create a craft and have a snack at the Luhr County Park Nature Center. All ages are welcome and no pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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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.
