Preparing next year’s champions: Jordan Wadding practices her skill Saturday at the Little League baseball net at the Party in the Park sponsored by the Duneland/Chamber of Commerce. State Park Little League President Rich Arndt is doing the honors at right. To volunteer or donate contact: State Park Little League  or Liberty Recreation      (Tribune photo by Alexandra Newman)

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

Over 600 people attended the second annual Party in the Park Saturday, sponsored by the Duneland/Chesterton Chamber of Commerce.

The party theme was that Duneland/Chesterton is a community that works and plays together. It was kind of like an old-fashioned picnic that one sees in movies or TV shows about small towns.

The event offered food, entertainment, games for children and a beer garden for the adults.

This year, the layout was visitor-friendly with the food tables located in the center of the park. Tables lined the east side of the bandstand, where a live band performed at the beginning of the evening, followed by a DJ for the remainder of the night.

There were all kinds of kids games offered much to the delight of the younger generation and to the parents who enjoyed the idea that the kids had plenty to do while they were able to enjoy visiting with other families.

The menu consisted of hot dogs, pulled pork and potato salad. Soda pop and water barrels were located throughout the park so thirsty party-goers could help themselves.

The live band, that has yet to pick a stage name, would be wise to do so. The teens that were 15-16 years old were awesome. They took lessons at the Front Porch in Valparaiso, and this was their first gig.

The group included Aaron Cerza, David McCarel, Steve Alonzo and Marty Vukson. Their director is Angelo Cicco, who was on hand for this first appearance.

Children had lots to do. Two games were available to try their skill at baseball. There was a treasure chest, hoola hoops, Moon Walk, and even a limbo line.

“Everything worked well and it will get better every year,” said Bonnie Trout, executive director of the Chamber. “This is what the park is for.”

Posted 8/21/2006