Make a new tradition

Looking for a unique way to relax before the big day? Meet at the Potawatomi Inn lobby at 9 a.m. on Dec. 24 for the 11th Annual Christmas Eve Morning Trek.

The hike takes you through the interior of Pokagon State Park. From the Inn, you'll head to the Spring Shelter, get warm by a fire, enjoy some treats and hike back to the Inn. You'll see beautiful pine forests and cut through a quiet campground.

Create a new family tradition today in Northern Indiana Lakes Country!

Christmas at the Cline

The 10-year tradition at the Cline Museum continues this Sunday as the Steuben County Historical Society hosts the annual Tree Festival and Christmas Open House between 2 and 4 p.m.

The event highlights trees decorated by members of the historical society. A six-foot 'Father Christmas' figure, along with a tree decorated with historic scenes of Steuben County, will be featured. In addition, 'Joyful Noise and Friends,' a dulcimer group from the Alvarado United Methodist Church, will perform.

The open house is the Historical Society's largest event. "This brings in the most people from throughout the county," Jim Penick, president of the historical society, told the Herald-Republican.

The Cline Museum is located at 313 E. Maumee St., Angola, three blocks east of the Public Square.

The sounds of the season

There's no shortage of concerts this season in Northern Indiana Lakes Country. Whether it's an old-fashioned sing-a-long or a traditional holiday concert, you'll find plenty of places to tap your toes and get into the spirit of the season!

Wing Haven Nature Preserve hosts its annual sing-a-long Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. The preserve is located a half mile west of State Road 127 on County Road 400 North. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, head to the Carnegie Public Library, 322 s. Wayne St., Angola, to enjoy the Trine Brass Ensemble. They will perform at 6:30 p.m. On Monday, Dec. 14, classic harpist and pianist Devon Haupt will put on a short concert.

Turning Point, the local homeless shelter, will host a concert Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola. The Auburn Community Band will perform Christmas favorites. A free-will offering will benefit Turning Point. Trine University's Fabiani Theater will be the site of the Sweet Adelines Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 13. The Little River Chorus from Angola will join a Fort-Wayne based chorus for a 3 p.m. performance. Donations will be taken to benefit Santa's Helpers.

For a unique concert, visit the Fremont Public Library on Monday, Dec. 14 between 5:30 and 7 p.m. The Ellis Family Players will perform holiday favorites on the dulcimer. A concert to benefit the Steuben County Humane Society is set for Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Steuben Community Center Auditorium. The String Alongs, Vocal Bling and the Erica Schwarz Band will perform. The cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door and $7 at the door for children 12 years and younger. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets may be purchased at the Humane Society.

Celebrate along State Road 120 Saturday

You can find it all along State Road 120 this Saturday! Whether it's a small town Christmas celebration, shopping specials or an elegant holiday open house, it's all here in a 10-mile stretch on Dec. 5.

Start your tour in Orland, the birthplace of Steuben County. "Holiday Happenings" opens with a visit from Santa at the Orland Community Center. Activities between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. include a holiday bazaar, free crafts for kids and refreshments. Many local merchants will offer shopping specials. Visit Great American Mercantile for a chance to win $100 in gift certificates! For more information, go to http://www.orlandchamber.net/

After enjoying all Orland has to offer, head east 10 miles to The Outlet Shoppes at Fremont. "Winterfest" features free horse and carriage rides from 1 to 5 p.m., plus Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit and give free gifts to the kids. Many of the outlet stores will have special discounts. For more information, visit http://www.theoutletshoppesatfremont.com/

To finish your tour of State Road 120, head to Barn Stable Antiques, 330 E. State Road 120. The Heltons host their annual Christmas open house from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Owner Pat Helton said this is the 10th year for the celebration. "We have lots of homemade Christmas cookies and hot cider," she said. The Barn Stable is decked out with luminaries and hundreds of items are for sale inside the three-story shop. On Saturday, Helton is offering 20% off any antique over $100 and 30% off any antique over $500.

The antique shop has been featured in Redbook and recommended as a shopping stop in Country Home Magazine and Midwest Living.

Have a great time enjoying Northern Indiana Lakes Country!

How fast can you go?

Bundle up, grab your family and friends and head to Pokagon State Park for the third annual Toboggan Time Trials on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Last year's event drew 41 teams.

According to park naturalist Fred Wooley, the fastest team in 2008 reached speeds of 40 mph! The same family has won the past two years and is ready to defend their title.

Teams will compete for speed on the state's only refrigerated toboggan run in four divisions: youth (all team members under the age of 15); family and friends (members of any age, gender and relation); corporate (all team members from the same company) and costumed (members of any age, gender and relation). In the costumed division, the prize will be awarded to the best, most creatively costumed team.

All participants must use the park's toboggans, which cannot be altered in any way. The normal rental fee of $10 per hour per toboggan will be charged. A driver's license is required for renting.
Advance registration is not needed-register when you rent your sled. Once you are at the top of the tower, you may choose which track to ride. Speeds will be displayed on a radar gun near the bridge.

The park entrance fee is $5 per Indiana vehicle and $7 for out-of-state vehicles.

Enjoy a great afternoon of fun and friendly competition here in Northern Indiana Lakes Country!

Walk the streets of Bethlehem

During the past 19 years, nearly 60,000 people have walked the streets of Bethlehem at Fairview Missionary Church's Bethlehem Marketplace. The free walk-through drama features a cast of more than 200 depicting the streets the day after the birth of Christ.

The entire production is held indoors on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m.

Fairview reports many positive comments about the Marketplace, including: "I have been to Jerusalem and this is the closest experience to the old city of Jerusalem I have ever seen" and "You enter into another time and world when you walk those streets."

The church is located at 525 E. 200 N., Angola. For more information, visit www.fairview-missionary.org

Black Friday Breakfast

The day after Thanksgiving is known as "Black Friday" and traditionally offers great shopping deals. For those early, early shoppers looking to re-fuel, Cahoots Coffee Cafe in Angola is offering a Black Friday Breakfast between 3 and 9 a.m.

The menu features homemade coffee cake, breakfast casserole, orange juice and coffee. The suggested donation is $5, which will benefit the Cahoots art program.

Cahoots Coffee Cafe is located at 218 W. Maumee St., two blocks west of the Public Square. It's a joint ministry of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and the Angola United Methodist Church. Cahoots provides a safe place for youth to hang out and also offers Fun Night on Monday, "Tell It Like It Is" on Tuesdays, art classes on Wednesday and live music many weekends. Cahoots has a full line of coffee beverages, lunch and snacks.