COVID

MORE THAN 1,000 ADULTS, CHILDREN ATTENDED EASTER SUNDAY’S ‘BUNNY HOP’ AT FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS

More than 1,000 adults and children from LaPorte County and the surrounding area attended the free, family-fun Bunny Hop at Friendship Botanic Gardens on Easter Sunday.

The Bunny Hop kicked off springtime in the Gardens, where families strolled along the Bunny Hop Trail and counted the hidden bunnies for free bags of candy and a photo with the Easter Bunny.

The warm weather and abundant sunshine set the perfect scene for families being active outside on the holiday. Hundreds of children enjoyed playing on the ArcelorMittal Children’s Garden and hiking on the Wilderness Trails.

This was the first of many events to take place at the Gardens in 2021.

The Gardens officially open to the public from 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 1, six days a week. This begins the Gardens’ full schedule of events.

An entire summer series of “Music Under the Stars” concerts will include local talent Johnny V performing once a month beginning in June, the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra July 25 and local talent Cripple Creek Sept. 17.

Broadway is coming to the Gardens with “A Cabaret Night” of dancing and singing, hosted by the Goodman Theatre and Dunes Summer Theatre July 30 and 31.

The Uptown Boys, directly from New York and Broadway, singing Billy Joel will be performing Aug. 6 and 7.

“Opera in the Gardens” will be performing Aug. 29.

During all concerts, there will be a 15-minute intermission for food and drinks.

In addition to musical performances, the Gardens will continue with its free ecoadventure series (all events will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.): Bug Safari, June 13; Butterfly Bonanza, July 25; and Reptile Romp, Aug. 22.

Other events on the calendar include a “Paws N Pints” event June 5, and holiday events for Halloween (Haunted Trails & Family Fall Fest), Thanksgiving (Gobble Gobble Walk) and Christmas (Walking Light Show).

The public is invited to the Gardens’ annual fundraising gala at Firefly Horse Farm July 17 (more details to come soon).

Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Michigan City.

For more information, call 219-878-9885, email info@friendshipgardens. org or visit www. friendshipbotanicgardens.

org. — STAFF REPORTS

Bison baseball is back after season lost to COVID

BY STAN MADDUX

Baseball at New Buffalo High School is getting underway after last year’s season was cancelled by the pandemic.

High School Principal Wayne Butler especially likes the attitude of his players giving 100% at practice going into the season. “It’s a lot of fun to have a group of kids this young. They’re working hard. I’m proud of Butler is back as field general of the varsity squad after retiring as the Bison head coach in 2013 and couldn’t be more thrilled.

“I always wanted to be a baseball coach. I love it. I miss it,” he said.

Butler said he stepped aside as the head coach to focus on his responsibilities after becoming the high school principal and when the need for a head coach surfaced, he jumped at the opportunity.

Lack of experience could be the biggest challenge for the Bison with five juniors and seniors along with 11 sophomores and freshmen. that,” he said.

Butler said New Buffalo is not alone in dealing with lack of varsity experience. All high school teams in Michigan haven’t played in close to 600 days which means this year’s crop of seniors were last on the field as sophomores Butler said he’s also leaning on his upper classmen to help their young teammates elevate their knowledge of the game and level of play. “We’re expecting our juniors and seniors to provide some leadership and teach them how to play Bison baseball,” he said.