The A to Z Family Guide to the Holidays

Back by popular demand is "Mommy's Little Piggy" mashed potato eating contest at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond which is part of "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit and fesivities. The contest this year will take place this Saturday with registration at 10 a.m.

1210POPS

Conductor Kirk Muspratt leads the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Chorus again in this year's production of Holiday Pops.

1206PIGGY

"Mommy's Little Piggy" mashed potato eating contest at the Indiana Welcome Center in 2011.

It's a Jungle Out There

The gymnaisum at Kyle Elementary School in Portage was turned into a musical jungle Thursday by second-graders and music teacher Margie Gough. With help from teachers and parents, about 80 students presented, "It's a Jungle Out There," a musical by Mary Donelly and George Strid that is both …

It's a Jungle Out There

Students at Kyle Elementary School in Portage watch as second-graders perform in their spring musical, "It's a Jungle Out There."

It's a Jungle Out There

Second-grade student "monkeys" sing "Goin' Bananas" Thursday at Kyle Elementary School in Portage as they perform in the musical "It's a Jungle Out There." The performance included four songs, one for each second-grade class, and three main characters who are searching for the key to happiness.

It's a Jungle Out There

Alana Snell, as Spots, left, and Jewel Albee, as Stripes discuss what they learned on their search for the key to happiness Thursday during the second-grade spring musical at Kyle Elementary School in Portage.

It's a Jungle Out There

Second-grade "hyenas" sing along Thursday during a musical performance of "It's a Jungle Out There" at Kyle Elementary School in Portage. Four second-grade classes performed under the direction of music teacher Margie Gough.

It's a Jungle Out There

Cheetahs and monkeys and elephants, oh my! oh, and Hyenas, too. Second-grade "elephants" watch as their classmates perform Thursday afternoon at Kyle Elementary School in Portage as they participate in the presentatiaon of "It's a Jungle Out There," a musical by Mary Donelly and George Strid…

Kyle students, teachers celebrate earning Four Star School status

Kyle Elementary School third-grader Adam Fritz dances with fourth-grade teacher Bill Chappo, left, during a celebration for the Portage school's achievement of Four Star School status.

Kyle students, teachers celebrate earning Four Star School status

Kyle Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Bill Chappo dances Monday while students enter the gymnasium to celebrate the Portage school's designation as a Four Star School by the state.

Kyle students, teachers celebrate earning Four Star School status

Kyle Elementary School teachers Kelly Leslie, from left, Ashley Taylor and Bev Mundt kick in sync Monday during an event to celebrate the Portage school's Four Star designation by the Indiana Department of Education.

Kyle students, teachers celebrate earning Four Star School status

Aris Psimos, principal of Kyle Elementary School in Portage, congratulates students and faculty Monday on obtaining Four Star status.

Little Ralphie Look-a-Like

Jace Janeczko, 5, of Lowell, dons Ralphie's pink bunny costume in homage to "A Christmas Story" at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond for the 2010 Christmas Story Festival. Auditions are being held this week in Chicago for a new national stage tour.

Bringing song and story to school

Dan LeMonnier presents "Banjo Tales," songs and storytelling, to first-graders Monday at Kyle Elementary School in Portage.

Bringing song and story to school

Munster resident Dan LeMonnier sings and tells stories to first-graders Monday morning at Kyle Elementary School in Portage.

Bringing song and story to school

Munster resident Dan LeMonnier sings songs and plays banjo for first-graders Monday at Kyle Elementary School in Portage.

Bringing song and story to school

Dan LeMonnier presents "Banjo Tales" to first-graders Monday at Kyle Elementary School in Portage.

Noll's Mullaney continues to swing a big bat for Warriors

Union Twp. - Bishop Noll leadoff hitter Rose Mullaney swings at the ball during the first GSSC game between the two area powers. The four-year starter made an imediate impact when she arrived four years ago.