The following programs are offered through the Valparaiso Parks Department. For information, call (219) 462-5144.
Concerts in the Parks
The Valparaiso Department of Parks & Recreation offers the band concert series free to the community. All concerts are hosted at 8 p.m. Wednesdays at the Butterfield Family Pavilion unless otherwise stated. Each performance is one hour in length.
Upcoming concerts include the Guy Fricano Big Band July 30 at Rogers-Lakewood Park and Peter Oprisko Aug. 6 at Village Park Center at Banta, 605 Beech St.
Soccer registration
The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation is currently accepting registrations for Back to School Soccer. The instructional soccer league is open to boys and girls, age 4 (as of Aug. 31) through entering grade 8. All games will be played Saturdays at Westside Park Aug. 9 through Sept. 27 (no games on Aug. 30 or Sept. 6). The standard fee for soccer is $45 per child and the resident discount fee is $35 per child. Parents may register in person at the Parks Administration Office, 3210 N. Campbell St., by phone at 462-5144 using Visa, Discover or MasterCard or on our website at www.valparaisoparks.org.
Noah's Ark workshops
The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation has partnered with Noah's Ark Workshops in order to offer children in grades kindergarten through 5 the opportunity to stuff their very own stuffed animal and participate in fun games and activities. The $23 fee includes all stuffed animal materials and additional activities and a snack per workshop. Workshops are held at the Discovery Cottage. The following are upcoming workshops offered for 2008. The last workshop is 1 to 2:20 p.m. Nov. 6 at Discovery Cottage, 1158 Harrison Blvd.
Summer drawing camp
The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation is now taking registrations for grades kindergarten-5 for the summer drawing camps presented by Young Rembrandts. Safari camp will be held July 28-31 and Medieval camp will be held Aug. 11-14. Both camps are 9:30-11 a.m. and will take place at the Discovery Cottage building, 1158 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso. All materials are included. The fee is $48 per camp.
Popcorn panic
The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting registration for the 2008 Popcorn Panic 5-Mile run and 5K Walk, which will be held at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 6. As one of the area's best races, the Panic offers a challenging course and a scenic tour of Valparaiso. The fee for registration is $20 per person and the last day to pre-register is at noon Sept. 4. Friday night and same-day registration will be accepted for $25 per person. Participants are invited to pre-register at the Valparaiso Park Department Administration Office, 3210 Campbell Street, or by telephone using a Visa, MasterCard or Discover at (219) 462-5144. Registration is also being accepted through September 2 at Blythe's Sport Shop in Valparaiso. For online registration visit signmeup.com.
