Snapshots of everyday life

Valparaiso Parks Department worker Andy Blastick disassembles a light on the Lions Pavilion in Kirkoff Park prior to the pavilion being torn down last September.

Marilyn Krusas

Hammer time at Lakes fest

MC Hammer works the crowd Wednesday at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond.

Hammer time at Lakes fest

MC Hammer takes the stage Wednesday at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond.

Festival of the Lakes takes off

HAMMOND | MC Hammer works the crowd at the Festival of the Lakes Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Hammond.

Festival of the Lakes takes off

HAMMOND | MC Hammer hands out roses during his performance at the Festival of the Lakes Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Hammond.

Festival of the Lakes takes off

HAMMOND | MC Hammer takes the stage at the Festival of the Lakes Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Hammond.

Festival of the Lakes takes off

HAMMOND | MC Hammer takes the stage at the Festival of the Lakes Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Hammond.

Hammer time at Festival of Lakes

Gregory and Tiffany Coleman, of Merrillville, and Karl and Terri Foster, of Chicago, sit in their Circle of Trust as they wait for Naughty by Nature and MC Hammer to take the stage at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond.

Hammer time at Festival of Lakes

Katie Gonzalez, 9, of Whiting, enjoys her ride Wednesday on the YoYo at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond.

Hammer time at Festival of the Lakes

Calumet City residents Joyce Smith and Jake Kosarko dance to Michael Jackson music as they wait for Naughty by Nature and MC Hammer to take the stage Wednesday at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond. The two did not know each other before this night.

Hammer time at Festival of Lakes

Having his brother 6-year-old Ryan Ratajczak with him did not comfort 2-year-old Mason Ratajczak as the two Plainfield, Ill., residents ride the Dragon Wagon on Wednesday at the Festival of the Lakes in Hammond.

Marquette Park Pavilion restored to its former glory

State and regional officials and Gary residents tour the renovated Marquette Park Pavilion on Friday after a ceremony to celebrate the project's completion. The work was done as part of the $28 million Marquette Park Lakefront East project funded by a grant from the Northwest Indiana Regiona…

Marquette Park Pavilion restored to its former glory

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday at the restored Marquette Park Pavilion, which features an outdoor patio overlooking a lagoon.

Marquette Park Pavilion restored to its former glory

Reggie Foster takes a photo Friday from behind a freshly refurbished window at Marquette Park Pavilion in Gary.

Mayor: Marquette Park restoring Gary jobs

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson shakes hands Tuesday with Ivan Simmons of Great Lakes Electric and other contractors who will be working on the $1.5 million next phase of the Marquette Park Lakefront East project.

Mayor: Marquette Park restoring Gary jobs

The next phase of the Marquette Park Lakefront East project calls for adding bathrooms to the picnic pavillion and reconstructing the parking lot with LED lighting. Construction is set to be complete by the Gary Air Show in July.

Mayor: Marquette Park restoring Gary jobs

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson speaks before breaking ground Tuesday on the $1.5 million next phase of the Marquette Park Lakefront East project.

Mayor: Marquette Park restoring Gary jobs

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson leads a news conference before a groundbreaking for the $1.5 million next phase of the Marquette Park Lakefront East project.