The Week Ahead

MONDAY

VFW hosts Mardi Gras dinner

LAKE STATION | The Lake Station VFW Post 9323, 2750 Central Ave., will have a Mardi Gras dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Cost is $8. Dinner will include jambalaya, chicken creole, salad and dessert.

TUESDAY

Clinic to sponsor bake sale

CROWN POINT | St. Clare Health Clinic will sponsor a Fat Tuesday bake sale from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria of St. Anthony Health in Crown Point, 1201 S. Main St.

K of C to serve spaghetti

GRIFFITH | The Knights of Columbus Marquette Council 3631 will serve its annual spaghetti dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, 1400 S. Broad St. Dinner will include a pasta meal with salad, garlic bread and homemade dessert. A donation box will be set up for free-will offerings to benefit the SHARE Foundation.

THURSDAY

Mama Mia to mark 25 years

HOBART | The 25th annual Mama Mia spaghetti dinner will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at St. Bridget School, Front and Main streets. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for those younger than 10. It includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, coffee and dessert. Beer, wine and pop will be sold.

Locals to compete in dance

MERRILLVILLE | The "Dancing with the Local Stars" competition will be from 7 to 8 p.m. in the large ballroom at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. Seven couples will compete and there will be dance demonstrations throughout the day. It is the opening night launch of the 19th annual Indiana Challenge, the four-day state competition that runs through Feb. 26 at the Radisson. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth 17 or younger. Tickets are available in advance from the Lake Area United Way by check, cash or credit card. For more information, call (219) 923-2302, ext. 302.

Mayor to speak on Gary

GARY | Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson will deliver her State of the City address at 11:30 a.m. at the Genesis Convention Center Indiana Room. A donation of $25 per person is asked.

SATURDAY

Antiques show has 2-day run

CROWN POINT | The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Antique and Collectibles Show will open its two-day run in the Industrial Arts Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Poetry workshop scheduled

HAMMOND | Books, Brushes & Bands for Education, in partnership with Purdue University Calumet, will present the First Friday Wordsmiths writing workshop Poetry Pantry: The Power of Paper & Performance. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Cost is $12, $10 for each additional family member. Lunch and materials are included. For more information, call (219) 932-3223.

Church to host chili cook-off

HIGHLAND | Immanuel United Church of Christ will have a chili cook-off from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 2201 Azalea Drive. Guests will choose their favorite chili after tasting each recipe, plus a salad, cornbread and crackers, dessert and beverage. A child's hot dog meal is offered for $4. Cost is $7 in advance, $8 at the door. There will be entertainment from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

’50s, ’60s on stage in M'ville

MERRILLVILLE | A Salute to the 1950s and ’60s will be on stage at Merrillville High School's Reinhart Auditorium from 7 to 10 p.m. It will feature the Spaniels, The Whitney Nots, Aubry Whitt, Vino Amore, The Vocal Teens, Lauren Jackson, Stormy Weather, 11th Avenue and others. Cost is $10.

SUNDAY

Antiques show winds down

CROWN POINT | The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Antique & Collectibles Show continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Industrial Arts Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Dancers celebrate black history

GARY | Indiana University Northwest will present a celebration of African-American history, showcasing the South Shore Dance Alliance from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Bergland Auditorium on campus. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.