What's happening this weekend in Michiana
Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Michiana area this weekend.
'Waggin’ in the Woods' in Elkhart Sunday
Waggin' in the Woods
The City of Elkhart announced the fourth annual dog-and family-friendly "Waggin’ in the Woods" event is happening Sunday at the Elkhart Environmental Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
The event is free to attend, but organizers say donations to support the Tracking in the Shadows pet rescue are appreciated. A list of suggested donations can be found online.
The event will feature pet-friendly booths like Love, Chewy, Dog Mom Bowtique, The Puzzled Pup, and more.
Attendees can also get their dogs microchipped for $15, check out pet rescue organizations, an Ask-A-Vet booth with Dr. Covey, K9 demonstrations, and more.
Kids and adults can enjoy free face painting and bring their wounded stuffed animals for a checkup at the Stuffed Bear Surgery Repair booth.
There will also be a Pooch Parade at 2 p.m. where you can bring your dog for a fun walk through the Environmental Center.
Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for several categories.
Treats for your four-legged friend will be available from Wesson’s Canine Bakery, Doodlebug Barkery, and Keeva’s Kruncies.
You can also grab something for yourself from Tropicana Ice Cream, Mendias Mexican Pizza, and Phabulous Phoenix Rolling Diner.
You can find more details about the event online.
Four Flags Area Apple Festival, rides, games, food, and more
Four Flags Area Apple Festival
Organizers of the Four Flags Area Apple Festival began preparing the annual event on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday for the opening day, Thursday at 3 p.m.
The four-day festival based in Niles will be filled with carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday with over 100 booths, parades, contests, and free nightly entertainment.
The 1.6-mile Grande Parade on Saturday will begin in downtown Niles at 1:30 p.m. and end at Niles High School.
Each guest will receive a free apple. Pastries, cookies, apples, pies, cider, and more will be available for purchase.
You can purchase ride wristbands ahead of time online or at the festival in person.
Festival hours:
- Friday - 3 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Four Flags Area Apple Festival will be on the corner of Lake and 17th Street.
You can find more festival information online.
Annual St. Joseph County CROP Walk for Hunger Sunday
St. Joseph County CROP Walk for Hunger
The annual St. Joseph County CROP Walk for Hunger will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, at Zion United Church of Christ directly across from Howard Park, with fun activities available starting at 1:30 p.m.
Organizers say over 250 walkers and supporters are anticipated to participate.
The St. Joseph County CROP walks have been a tradition for over 50 years, and this year’s goal is to raise $30,000.
CROP fundraising assists globally and locally with 75 percent of funds used to support overseas food security projects, and the other 25 percent supporting four local programs in St. Joseph County.
“Worldwide hunger issues are particularly frightening right now, as the war in Ukraine has strained global food supplies,” said event planner Nancy Philabaum of Zion Church.
The walk starts in the parking lot of Zion Community Church at 211 S. Cedar St.
You can register ahead of time online or the day of in person starting at1:15 p.m.
There is a one-mile walk and a four-mile walk.
Local agencies supported:
- The Christian Community Pantry
- Broadway Christian Parish UMC Pantry
- Sunnyside Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
- United Religious Community
You can learn more about the event online.