The kids are out of school, the sun is shining, all types of flowers are blooming and everyone is antsy to enjoy the weather after a crazy, cold winter that managed to wreak havoc and bring snow to 48 of our 50 states.

Here in Michigan City and the surrounding communities, we’ve got lots going on to give you just the reason you need to get out of the house this Spring/Summer! Here is just a sampling of what’s going on around Michigan City, LaPorte and Chesterton/Burns Harbor:

Michigan City

Farmers’ Market - 8 a.m. – noon, every Saturday (May through October) at 8^th and Washington Streets, the Mainstreet Association hosts its annual Farmer’s Market. Everything from aromatic herbs for your kitchen to honey and butters you can’t find in a store, from gorgeous hanging baskets of beautiful flowers to plump home-grown fruits and vegetables, all here on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. www.mcmainstreet.com

First Fridays - 5 p.m. The first Friday of each month, the Lubeznik Center hosts this event which features live musical entertainment, food and drinks. www.lubeznikcenter.org/special_events/events.html

Red Hat Society “Anniversary Party” – 5 p.m. July 19 at the Senior Center. This is for the senior ladies…put on your red hats and purple clothes and join other gals in the community at the Senior Center at Washington Park. Participants are asked to use their imagination and create a crazy birthday hat and wear it for the contest. Call Jeannie at 219-874-7794 for more information about this and other Red Hat Society events.

In-Water Boat Show – August 19 – 22 at Washington Park. Created by the local community, the event showcases all the latest powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft. Featuring vendors of a vast variety, there will be plenty of things to do for the entire family. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for those over 60 and Free for ages 12 and under. www.michigancityboatshow.com

LaPorte

Kid’s Summer Activities – A Family Fishing Day & Tournament, Kid’s Camp, Junior Golf, Summer Tennis, and an Art Camp. Visit the city website for more information and to register. http://www.cityoflaporte.com/city_parkdept_PA.asp#KC

Downtown Farmers Market – LaPorte Downtown Farmers Market, Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon, at Lincolnway and Monroe features locally grown produce, plants, arts, crafts, wine, meat, eggs, baked goods and so much more. Call 219-448-1674 for more information.

TNA Wrestling Live! – 7 p.m. July 24 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. Featuring Mr. Anderson, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett, Big Sexy Kevin Nash, the Pope DAngelo Dinero, Samoan Submission Machine Samoa Joe, Desmond Wolfe, Beer Money Inc, TNA Knockouts Champion & TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champs, the Beautiful People, Eric Young and More! Tickets start at $20. www.laportecountyfair.org

Benefit Dinner/Show – 4:30 p.m. August 14 at the American Legion Post 83. It’s a Hodgkins Lymphoma Benefit for 16-year-old Marisa Meeks. A spaghetti dinner is $7 each. See a show with Elvis Tribute (Tim Dudley), Sock Hop/Dance fundraiser, raffles, prizes, music & fun. $20 for dinner and show. There will be a 50s/60s costume contest and a Jitterbug Contest. Join the fun and help Maris and her family during this time of struggle with cancer.

Carillon Concert – 4 p.m. August 22 at the Presbyterian Church, US Hwy 35 and Kingsbury Avenue featuring the Children’s Carillon. Admission: Freewill Offering. Call 219-362-5158 for details.

Chesterton/Burns Harbor

European Market – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays (May – October) in historic downtown Chesterton. You’ll find a wide range of gourmet foods, baked goods, artwork, jewelry and farm-fresh produce, including heirloom varieties. Come and enjoy the live music each Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

YA Actors U:The Swashbuckling Edition – Young Adults going into grade 6 and above are invited to sign up for workshops at the Westchester Public Library. No charge, but space is limited. Attendees will learn the basics of acting and will also write and perform their own play. For more information, please call 219-926-7696.

Chamber Annual Golf Outing – 7:30 a.m. June 7 at Duneland Creek Country Club. The Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year, tickets are still available. The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst organization ensuring the Duneland area is a vibrant place to live, work and play through responsible commercial growth and provides a unified voice for its member community. Call 219-926-5513 for details/availability.

Run with the Big Dogs 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk – 7 a.m. July 17 at Duneland Resale Shop Parking Lot (8^th Street and Broadway), come walk or run with your dog through the streets of Chesterton. This event is in conjunction with Bark in the Park. www.paulsofko.com