South Shore CVA receives 3 awards

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority recently received three awards recognizing their newly updated website and the 2012 South Shore Air Show event poster.

Portage Knights of Columbus hosting trivia contest

PORTAGE | The Portage Knights of Columbus will be hosting a trivia contest from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 1.

South Shore CVA releases new visitor map

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has recently released the 2013-2014 visitor’s map. The map features various festivals, attractions, restaurants, shopping, accommodations, parks and visitor services.

Challenger Learning Center to host May Second Saturday events

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will continue with its Second Saturday Family Science Program on May 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees may participate in the mini mission package, which includes a laser light show and a planetarium show for $15 per person.

Leon’s Triathlon Demo Day accepting vendors

HAMMOND | Leon’s Triathlon will be hosting a Demo Day on June 1 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Wolf Lake Memorial Park. The family-fun event will showcase a variety of active lifestyle sports and products in addition to triathlon gear.

Indiana Welcome Center celebrates National Tourism Week

HAMMOND | The Indiana Welcome Center began celebrating National Tourism Week May 4 and will continue through May 12. Throughout the week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Welcome Center will be decorated and visitors will enjoy complimentary popcorn, half price admission to the John Dillinger Muse…

Team in Training to participate in Leon’s Triathlon

HAMMOND | Team in Training, a national fundraising campaign that was started 25 years ago, will have 25 athletes participating in Leon’s Triathlon on Sunday, June 2, as they continue their mission of raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

South Shore CVA to host Explore the South Shore

HAMMOND | The Indiana Welcome Center will be hosting its annual Explore the South Shore: Kick-Off the Summer event on May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 250 families at the event will receive a regional passport of savings from participating organizations to use over the summer. The fir…

South Shore CVA to host annual tourism luncheon

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will be hosting its annual Tourism Week Luncheon on May 8 at the Indiana Welcome Center. Registration for the event begins at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $300 for a table of 10.…

Silent auction to benefit Prevent Child Abuse Lake County

CROWN POINT | Prevent Child Abuse Lake County will be hosting a reception and silent auction for their art project titled “CHAIRish” the Children. The public is invited to attend the event held at the Indiana Welcome Center on May 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Light appetizers will be served an…

Civil War Expo extended through June 30

HAMMOND | The South Shore Civil War Memorial trail’s expo “Region United, Nation Divided: Civil War in the South Shore” has been extended through June 30 due to popular demand. The expo showcases the region’s contributions to our nation’s bloodiest war through a series of special events and …

South Shore CVA launches new mobile site

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority continues to pave the “technological” way for other destination marketing organizations through launching its new geocentric-based mobile website. The updated mobile site uses the advanced technological features to provide visitors …

Teachers invited to schedule field trip to Civil War Expo

HAMMOND | The South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail will be hosting their expo “Region United, Nation Divided: Civil War in the South Shore” through May 3 at the Indiana Welcome Center. The expo showcases the region’s contributions to our nation’s bloodiest war through a series of special eve…

Local filmmaker to present at Civil War Expo

HAMMOND | The South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail’s exhibit “Region United, Nation Divided: Civil War in the South Shore” will feature re-enactors presenting a living history of Civil War soldiers every weekend during the month of April at the Indiana Welcome Center. Re-enactors will be pre…

Leon’s Triathlon partners with Team Red, White, & Blue

HAMMOND | Leon’s Triathlon and Team Red, White, and Blue, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and enriching their lives by connecting them with the community through social and physical activity, have partnered to put a focus on the mission of Team RWB. The hope for Leon’s Triat…

Stars & Strikes Charity Challenge nearly here

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center in Hammond, IN will again hold the Corporate Charity Challenge Stars and Strikes bowling event on April 22.

Indiana Association of Building Officials’ conference begins April 15

MERILLVILLE | The Indiana Association of Building Officials will be hosting their 2013 Indiana Code Education Conference at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza April 15 through April 18. The conference includes educational classes, an IABO business meeting, banquet dinner and an exhibitor show.

American Advertising Federation’s District 6 Student Competition coming to Radisson

MERRILLVILLE | Nineteen teams of students will be competing in the annual National Student Advertising Competition beginning April 11 at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. Typically held in Detroit, the competition brings together college level students from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan to pitc…

South Shore CVA to participate in Job Shadow Day

HAMMOND | Students from Hobart High School will visit with the staff of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority on April 15.

Challenger Learning Center announces April Second Saturday event

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will be continuing with its Second Saturday Family Science Program on April 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees may participate in the family mini mission package, which includes a laser light show and a planetarium show for $15 pe…

Challenger Learning Center hosting corporate bowling charity challenge

LANSING | The Challenger Learning Center will be hosting a corporate bowling charity challenge at Olympia Lanes in Hammond on April 22. Participating organizations will create a team of four bowlers to compete in Stars and Strikes for the Challenger Cup, with proceeds benefiting the Challeng…

2013 South Shore Air Show fate determined

GARY | In a press conference held at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond Tuesday, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority confirmed the fate of the 2013 South Shore Air Show. Speros A. Batistatos, President and CEO of the South Shore CVA and the air show event producer, stated th…

American Massage Therapy Association’s Indiana State Convention begins April 6

MERRILLVILLE | The Indiana Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association will be hosting their 2013 state convention at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza on April 6 and April 7. The convention will educate massage therapists and body workers on lower back pain and oncology massage, as well …

Re-enactors to demonstrate soldier life during Civil War

HAMMOND | The South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail’s exhibit “Region United, Nation Divided: Civil War in the South Shore” will feature live demonstrations by re-enactors every weekend during the month of April at the Indiana Welcome Center.

Civil War Expo opening April 5 at Indiana Welcome Center

HAMMOND | The South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail will be opening their expo “Region United, Nation Divided: Civil War in the South Shore” beginning April 5 at the Indiana Welcome Center. The four-week exhibit will showcase the region’s contributions to our nation’s bloodiest war through a …

Lost Marsh Golf Course to open March 27

HAMMOND | The Lost Marsh Golf Course will be opening for the 2013 season on March 27. Spring rates for 18-hole play will be $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends, both including electric cart rental.

South Shore CVA to guide guidance counselors through hospitality industry

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will be offering a tour to region guidance counselors to learn of the opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. On April 25, guidance counselors will get an inside look at hospitality and tourism-related businesses and …

Association members learn about being "Bring It Home” Heroes

MERILLVILLE | Twenty-seven organization and association representatives learned what it meant to be a hero on March 21 during the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority and Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza’s Bring it Home Ambassador Reception.

Leon’s Triathlon returning to Hammond

HAMMOND | Northwest Indiana will be hosting the 30th anniversary of the “world’s fastest triathlon” on June 2. Leon’s Triathlon, a nationally broadcasted event, will allow participants to bike, swim and run their way through Northwest Indiana while millions of households across the nation wa…

Challenger Learning Center receives grant from Praxair

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana has received a $10,000 donation from Praxair, Inc. to help fund the purchase and redevelopment of teacher professional development programs as well as the purchase of supplies for the upcoming space adventure summer camp series.

Becoming a "Bring It Home" hero

MERRILLVILLE | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, in partnership with Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, will be hosting their Bring It Home Hero Ambassador Reception on March 21 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza.

Experience Maple Syrup Time at Deep River County Park

HOBART | Visitors are invited to experience the true North American activity of making maple syrup during the Deep River County Park’s Maple Syrup Time. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 9 and March 10, as well as March 16 and March 17, both indoor and outdoor activities will be offered free o…

Challenger Learning Center plans summer space adventure camps

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will be offering Summer Space Adventure Camps for students pre K through eighth grade. Students will train as the astronauts do during a variety of sessions that are both stimulating and age-appropriate.

District 25A Lions Club of Indiana to host convention at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza

MERRILLVILLE | The District 25A Lions Club will be hosting their annual convention on March 8 and March 9 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. In addition to business sessions and seminars, members will participate in dinner events and activities throughout the convention.

South Shore CVA president to speak to Highland Town Council

HIGHLAND | Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, will be making a presentation to the Highland Town Council at their upcoming meeting on Monday, March 4. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is held at the Highland Municipal Building.

Challenger Learning Center plans Second Saturday event

HAMMOND | The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana will be hosting its Second Saturday Family Science Program on March 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event’s cost is $15 per person and will include a mini mission, a laser light show and a planetarium show.

2013 South Shore Air Show's uncertain fate

HAMMOND | As the deadline for possible sequestration nears so does the impending fate of the 14th annual South Shore Air Show.

South Shore CVA takes part in Hospitality Leadership Day

HAMMOND | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority participated in Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association’s 2013 Hospitality Leadership Day at the Indiana State House on Feb. 20. The event brought both business leaders and legislators together for the event.

American CueSports Indiana State 8-Ball Championships coming to Star Plaza

MERRILLVILLE | The 16th annual American CueSports Indiana State Championships will be kicking off on Feb. 27 at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. The five-day tournament is expected to bring in more than 250 billiards players from across the state to compete.

Dillinger Day planned at Indiana Welcome Center

HAMMOND | Explore the life and times of John Dillinger and his gang at the Indiana Welcome Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 2. Throughout the day, visitors may enter the John Dillinger Museum for free and watch the “wooden gun” clip from Mysteries at the Museum.

Special screening at Field Museum

HAMMOND | "Everglades of the North: The Story of the Grand Kankakee Marsh" will be screening at the Field Museum in Chicago on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. The Grand Kankakee Marsh was one of the largest wetlands in North America. With interlocking wetlands, prairies, savannas and woodlands it was home…

South Shore CVA continues partnership with Valparaiso University’s Athletic Department

VALPARAISO | The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has recently developed a partnership with Valparaiso University’s Athletic Department. While the SSCVA, the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso University have worked together on numerous events in the past, the official partnershi…

Dillinger Day planned at Indiana Welcome Center

HAMMOND | Explore the life and times of John Dillinger and his gang at the Indiana Welcome Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 2. Throughout the day, visitors may enter the John Dillinger Museum for free and watch the “wooden gun” clip from Mysteries at the Museum.

Mitch Markovitz to host Gallery Talk

HAMMOND | Mitch Markovitz will be hosting a Gallery Talk in conjunction with his exhibit, “Postcards from my Sixty-Two and a Half Year Vacation,” currently featured at the Indiana Welcome Center. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Markovitz will walk attendees through the exhibit while discussi…

2013 Board of Directors Meeting for February

HAMMOND | The SSCVA, formerly the Lake County CVB, Board of Directors will meet on the third Thursday of each month at noon unless otherwise noted. Executive sessions will be advertised at least forty-eight hours before the meeting.

Indiana Challenge set to begin on Feb. 21

MERRILLVILLE | The 20th annual Indiana Challenge will be kicking off at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza on Feb. 21. The competition is a DanceSport event and is sanctioned by the National Dance Council of America.

Pond Expo slated for April at Lake County Fair Grounds

Waters Edge pond display

Pond Expo slated for April at Lake County Fair Grounds

Country Gate, vendor

Pond Expo slated for April at Lake County Fair Grounds

Cutter's Edge pond

Indiana Welcome Center to host Mitch Markovitz exhibit

HAMMOND | The Indiana Welcome Center will be featuring an exhibit of artworks and illustrations by Mitch Markovitz from Feb. 1-March 22. The exhibit, “Postcards from my Sixty-Two and Half Year Vacation,” will include early artwork, original paintings and original poster paintings from the So…