It’s sunny skies ahead at the City of La Porte’s 26th annual Sunflower Fair
The City of La Porte’s downtown scene sprouted to life on Saturday, September 20, with the return of the beloved annual Sunflower Fair. Resembling the color of the summertime flower, La Porte was lively and bright as hundreds of spectators browsed Michigan Avenue, which was filled with over 140 craft and specialty vendors, eateries, and activities for all ages as the festival celebrated its 26th run.
“The chamber used to do the Sunflower Fair, and then it was passed on to the city. I’m coming back from running it before. It’s just been really fun to come back and get back into the swing of things. We have over 140 vendors this year, but my favorite part is just to see everybody enjoying themselves out on this beautiful day,” said Lindsay Kneifel, Sunflower Fair committee member.
The Sunflower Fair has come a long way since it planted its initial seeds in the city almost three decades ago. Once just a humble seasonal gathering for a small number of people, it has since blossomed into a highly anticipated tradition for the entire city, closing multiple streets to celebrate the many different facets that showcase the heartfelt community of La Porte, Indiana.
“There’s a fine example of all the craftsmen and engineers around here that built all this stuff. We’re all from here. So that shows what kind of talent is actually in this city and the surrounding areas perfectly,” said Paul Davis, event attendee.
This includes an eclectic variety of small businesses, restaurants, and individual entrepreneurs who had booths lined throughout the streets featuring their products and creations. Each vendor was smiling ear to ear as they chatted with passersby throughout the day, creating new memories, friendships, and opportunities to learn even more about their local community.
Rodney Dumas, owner of Hot Rod Snow Cones, was especially excited to be a vendor this year.
“This is our fourth season being with the sunflower fest. It’s been a good experience. Every year we’ve had great weather in years past, so we’re excited to be here and try to supply some entertainment and some good snow cones,” said Dumas.
Staying true to its name, the festival hosted the annual Wyatt Wilke Sunflower Growing Contest, named in memoriam of 7 year old Wilke who grew an award winning sunflower of his own specifically for the contest, but unexpectedly passed away the day of the contest. Sunflowers of all sizes sprouted throughout the streets, creating a sunny atmosphere as three flowers received awards for Tallest Sunflower Plant, Sunflower Stalk with the Most Blossoms, and Largest Sunflower Seed Head.
In addition to supporting local businesses and restaurants, fair goers also had the chance to relive some classic nostalgia at the event’s antique auto show, sponsored by the Black Sheep Car Club. Cars across multiple decades were showcased, and included awards such as Mayor’s Choice, Fire Chief’s Choice, Sheriff’s Choice, Police Chief’s Choice, Sunflower Award, and the Black Sheep Award (Best of Show).
The Tom R. Fara Memorial Rib Cook-Off additionally returned, bringing the area’s hungriest competitors to the fair bright and early as they sought to see who could best cook one of the season’s most well-loved meals.
“We have something for everybody. We’ve got great food vendors. We’ve got artisan vendors for people who love to shop. We have a car show for all the people who love cars. I don’t know anything about cars, but they’re pretty, right? So you’ve got that. We have a kids area, so it’s family friendly. We’ve got a rib cook off for amateur rib cookers. There’s, there’s something for everybody, and it’s just great to see. We have a lot of community members come out here. They shop downtown while they’re out here, which is great for our local economy, and it’s just a really great, well-run event that enhances our community overall. Everybody looks forward to it every year,” said Lindsay Kneifel.
The City of La Porte would like to extend a generous thank you to Arnett Construction & Roofing, US Steel, and Visit Michigan City LaPorte for all their individual contributions to this year’s Sunflower Fest, as well as the numerous businesses, groups, and individuals who have all helped to make this year’s fair a “sun-sational” event.
“Our sponsors are an integral part of this event. We have Arnett Construction this year, as well as United States Steel and the Visit Michigan City, LaPorte, which is the Tourism Bureau, and with their help, we are able to bring in enough porta potties for everybody, and enough hired hands. We do pay some of the awards that we give away, like for the rib cook off and master gardeners, we buy their trophies, so it’s absolutely integral that they are a part of this fair and supporting this event,” said Kneifel.
While the sun has set on this year’s Sunflower Fair, it won’t be long before next year’s run will be in the works. To stay updated on all things Sunflower Fair, visit sunflowerfair.com. For more information on other fun events in store this year in the City of La Porte, please visit cityoflaporte.com.