Crown Point Marks 175th Birthday With Celebration Events
The city of Crown Point celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2009. Known as the hub of Lake County, this forward-looking community nevertheless retains a quality of place deeply rooted in a distinctive past.
Historic Landmarks The city boasts historic landmarks such as the iconic old Lake County Courthouse – today a bustling retail, office and cultural venue and a focal point of the community. And it brims with vibrant stories of bygone days, such as those about the years from 1915 to 1940, when couples – including celebrities Rudolph Valentino, Joe DiMaggio and others – poured into town for no-wait, Las Vegas-style weddings, earning Crown Point the nickname “The Marriage Mill.”
Lake County was the foundation of growth for the entire area, and the people that live here are still very connected to that heritage.
Celebrations Throughout the Year In January 2009, the city kicked off its yearlong celebration with the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule and the unveiling of a 175th anniversary logo. The event was held at the Maki Ballroom inside the courthouse.
In March, Crown Point’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade was an overwhelming success, attracting more than 6,000 people. The Mayor’s Kids and Kites Arbor Day celebration in April featured activities focused on recycling, followed by Historic Preservation Month in May.
The city’s Fourth of July parade, which always draws a huge crowd, was complemented by the addition of a citywide picnic on July 5. In August, Lake County Historian Bruce Woods presented a guided walking tour of area historical sites.
The events, most of which continue as annual attractions, bring out the community’s best and promote a sense of belonging. They also bring the community together. For instance, people love seeing the old cars that roll into the downtown square every Thursday evening from May through September for Crown Point’s annual Fun Cruise.
The Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturday mornings June through October, offers live cooking demonstrations and, as part of the city’s recycling promotion, reusable shopping bags bearing the 175th anniversary logo.
Fall and winter events also take place. The anniversary celebration will wrap up with a New Year’s Eve gala back at the Maki Ballroom. Johnny Depp as John Dillinger Generating additional excitement around town was the July opening of major motion picture Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The movie, about notorious bank robber John Dillinger, features scenes shot on location in Crown Point, where Dillinger was imprisoned and subsequently escaped from the Lake County Jail. The Future is Green In the midst of celebrating such colorful history, Crown Point also nurtures a vision for a greener future, which includes a recycling program, development of a LEED-certified business park, and completion of regional bike trails.
The city plans to continue its practice of being the most forward-thinking community in northwest Indiana – while never forgetting its past.
The city of Crown Point celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2009. Known as the hub of Lake County, this forward-looking community nevertheless retains a quality of place deeply rooted in a distinctive past.
Historic Landmarks The city boasts historic landmarks such as the iconic old Lake County Courthouse – today a bustling retail, office and cultural venue and a focal point of the community. And it brims with vibrant stories of bygone days, such as those about the years from 1915 to 1940, when couples – including celebrities Rudolph Valentino, Joe DiMaggio and others – poured into town for no-wait, Las Vegas-style weddings, earning Crown Point the nickname “The Marriage Mill.”
Lake County was the foundation of growth for the entire area, and the people that live here are still very connected to that heritage.
Celebrations Throughout the Year In January 2009, the city kicked off its yearlong celebration with the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule and the unveiling of a 175th anniversary logo. The event was held at the Maki Ballroom inside the courthouse.
In March, Crown Point’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade was an overwhelming success, attracting more than 6,000 people. The Mayor’s Kids and Kites Arbor Day celebration in April featured activities focused on recycling, followed by Historic Preservation Month in May.
The city’s Fourth of July parade, which always draws a huge crowd, was complemented by the addition of a citywide picnic on July 5. In August, Lake County Historian Bruce Woods presented a guided walking tour of area historical sites.
The events, most of which continue as annual attractions, bring out the community’s best and promote a sense of belonging. They also bring the community together. For instance, people love seeing the old cars that roll into the downtown square every Thursday evening from May through September for Crown Point’s annual Fun Cruise.
The Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Saturday mornings June through October, offers live cooking demonstrations and, as part of the city’s recycling promotion, reusable shopping bags bearing the 175th anniversary logo.
Fall and winter events also take place. The anniversary celebration will wrap up with a New Year’s Eve gala back at the Maki Ballroom. Johnny Depp as John Dillinger Generating additional excitement around town was the July opening of major motion picture Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The movie, about notorious bank robber John Dillinger, features scenes shot on location in Crown Point, where Dillinger was imprisoned and subsequently escaped from the Lake County Jail. The Future is Green In the midst of celebrating such colorful history, Crown Point also nurtures a vision for a greener future, which includes a recycling program, development of a LEED-certified business park, and completion of regional bike trails.
The city plans to continue its practice of being the most forward-thinking community in northwest Indiana – while never forgetting its past.