My goodness it just seems that when it rains it pours around here lately (no pun intended). Not much going on, then this weekend we have a whole lot going on, I simply don't know how I'm going to fit it all in.
First off, we are coming to the end of National Fire Prevention Week and the Portage Fire Department will its annual Open House this Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Station 1, 3401 Swanson Road. Kids are able to check out the fire equipment and the dive team will be making a presentation. Free hot-dogs and soft drinks will be served and the winners of the coloring contest will be announced that evening.
Next, we have the annual Sharefest, which includes about 14 churches in the Portage area who come together to make a difference in our area for those in need. It all starts with registration and a dedication service at 8 a.m. Saturday at Willowcreek Middle School. Each church has a different project to donate their time and talents towards this year. But you don't have to be a member of one of those churches to get involved as a volunteer. Go to www.sharefestpc.org/Portage and get all the details on the 15 projects and sign up for this Saturday's event. If you can't volunteer, you can also donate items of need to Willowcreek Middle School this Saturday from 9 to 3. Those items include non-perishable food items, soap, toilet paper(4 packs), diapers, liquid laundry detergent and baby wipes. There will also be a blood drive by the American Red Cross for those to donate the gift of life. I want to add this year that United Way is teaming up with Sharefest to help those who have
recently had damage from the flooding in Portage. Won't you take time out to help those in our community that truly need a neighbor's hand?
Lastly, the Portage Park Department is presenting its annual Elvis FANtasy Fest this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A new addition to this year's lineup is the Legend's Show, Friday night, featuring the music of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, James Brown, Tom Jones and Elton John that will be helping raise money for the Special Olympians. Also on Friday night there will be a pig roast, Elvis game and an old-fashioned sock hop. This year's theme is Elvis‘ "68 Comeback Special! That special has such great memories for me, growing up with a dad that thought the world of Elvis. Of course there will be all kinds of activities for the kiddies and I'm sure many Elvis sightings over the weekend. Food from those eras will also be available from the Special Olympians. Of course, no feat would be complete without the impersonator contest on Saturday night. Mark your calendar for this wonderful event to benefit our Special Olympians! For more information, don't hesitate to call the Portage Park
Department at (219) 762-1675.
The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (219) 764-2187 or robinwilkening@remax.net.
