Hub City gearing up for Winter Market

The Crown Point Mayor's Office of Special Events is looking for craft vendors for the annual Winter Market, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 under the white tent on South Main Street between Hack and Walnut streets.

The Winter Market is a hometown event offering holiday crafts, custom gift baskets, jewelry, homemade items, baked goods, seasonal coffees, Christmas trees and more.

For more information on how to rent a 10-by-10-foot booth space, call (219) 662-3290. View an application at www.crownpoint.in.gov.

Four Winds Casino trip

Register by Friday with the Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department for a casino bus trip Nov. 4 to Four Winds Casino in Michigan. Round-trip transportation is provided by Four Winds Casino deluxe motor coach and will depart from Pruzin Park, 5750 Tyler St., Merrillville, promptly at 9 a.m. and return by 4 p.m.

Cost is $35 for Merrillville residents, $40 for nonresidents. Participants will receive a $10 food credit and up to $15 for slot play. For more information, call (219) 980-5911.

Halloween fun at Taltree

Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, 71 N. 500 West, Valparaiso, has lots of activities for Halloween. Vote for your favorite scarecrow. Sixteen original creations were designed by children from schools, Scout groups and churches. Read the essay included with each scarecrow and vote by inserting the token you'll receive at the gatehouse now through Nov. 3. Three winning scarecrow makers will receive prizes.

Bring the family to the Taltree Railway Garden for its Twilight Witching Hour Events today and Friday. Participants will listen to the story "Where the Wild Things Are" and make an autumn tree craft project.

Trick or Treat at Taltree and join in the ghoulishness from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Volunteers are needed. Call Anna Mroz at (219) 462-0025 if interested in reading stories, assisting with craft projects or leading tours.

Business After Hours

South Point Baptist Church, 150 W. Anderson St., Crown Point, is a new church and is inviting the public to a business after hours and ribbon-cutting event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 5:30.

Tour the facility and learn about programs. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.crossroadschamber.org.

Sue Reed is executive director of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@crossroadschamber.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.