The Duneland Business Initiative Committee (DBIC) is seeking public input as it considers a group of events to coincide with the Chesterton’s European Market on Saturdays this summer.

In addition, the DBIC is seeking ideas on an information booth, which would locate Chesterton businesses on a map for visitors: where to shop, dine, play, and stay, plus general information about the Duneland community. Should the booth be mobile or at a single permanent site in the Downtown? Should it be staffed or be able to stand alone, unmanned?

The goal of the themed events is to provide patrons of the popular European Market a reason to stay in Chesterton on Saturdays and visit other businesses, not only in the Downtown but also along Indian Boundary Road, Coffee Creek Center, and other parts of Duneland.

The European Market is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, beginning May 31 and through the end of October.

Specifically the DBIC is asking the public to consider the following proposed events, pick a top five, and e-mail your choices by Monday to deborahlandry@renditionstudio.com.

The events are not yet tied to specific dates. Top-five picks may also be called in to Machelle Blount at 926-9900.

The proposed events (pick five and number them one through five):

•Folk festival, to include ethnic music, food, and dance: The Taste of Chesterton.

•Old Fashioned Day: barbershop quartet, ice cream, craft demonstrations, museum.

•Town-wide yard sale.

•Car show.

•Walk and run for charity: non-profit organizations could set up in Downtown Chesterton.

•Pet parade through Thomas Park with pet contests.

•Gallery walk, with the galleries open to the public and a Chesterton arts festival.

•Flea market in the park.

•Family Day: karaoke and American Idol rolled into one, with a bicycle decorating contest.

•Training Day: activities and displays focused on trains, including a model train show.

•Salute to Oz (in September).

•Harvest Day (in the fall).

•Historical Day, with indoor events celebrating the history of Chesterton, including antique appraisals.

Posted 3/21/2008