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Elko Edition Rea Reaching ch Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble And LaGrange Counties
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Vol. 34, No. 9
Elkhart County looks forward to eventful
(9(17)8/ 6($621 ³ 'RZQWRZQ (ONKDUW ZLOO EH EXV\ WKLV KROLGD\ VHDVRQ SDUWLFXODUO\ WKH /HUQHU 7KHDWHU ZKLFK IHDWXUHV KROLGD\ WKHPHG HYHQWV QHDUO\ HYHU\ GD\ RI 'HFHPEHU 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ (ONKDUW &RXQW\ &RQYHQWLRQ DQG 9LVLWRUV %XUHDX %\ '$9,' +$=/(',1( 6WDII :ULWHU This holiday season, Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau — and the many tourism and hospitality-related businesses it serves — is expecting a return to festivities and celebration. And, as opposed to 2021 when it seemed the whole world stayed home, that means concerts, movies, musicals and much more. “Tourism and hospitality businesses had a strong bounce back this year,” said Terry Mark, Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau director of communication and public relations. “Hospitality and hotels did pretty well, getting back to 2019 levels. We’re looking forward to 2022.” One of the few attractions remaining open in 2020 were
Elkhart County’s Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail, which draws visitors to six communities from May to September. Visitors were able to enjoy 16 large outdoor gardens and 14 quilt sites at their own pace and comfort level while also navigating the ever-changing COVID guidelines. As Mark noted, nearby shops and restaurants also benefit. “Having an attraction of that kind was helpful.” Next year marks the Quilt Gardens’ 15th anniversary. “Exciting plans are in the works,” he hinted. An exciting development in 2021 was Hotel Elkhart, which held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in early October. Part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, the higher-end “boutique” establishment features a rooftop bar and a ballroom located in a century
old building that was a hotel until the 1970s. According to Mark, the hotel decor “embraces Elkhart’s heritage of musical instruments making.” A group of private investors “took a chance,” Mark commented. The renovations, in his opinion, exceed its previous incarnation. Hotel Elkhart is “something new to this market,” he added. Its downtown location is within walking distance of Elkhart museums, eateries, entertainment venues and the new health and aquatic center. Within a mile of Hotel Elkhart is Wellfield Botanical Gardens, which for the sixth year will hold Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, billed as “bigger and brighter in 2021.” The “Million Light Year” display will run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 26. “The lights really add something and fill you with the
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Christmas spirit… the event draws thousands of people every year.” Another festival of lights is Shipshewana’s Light Parade, which kicks off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, when lighted floats parade through the town. The event culminates with a tree lighting ceremony at Blue Gate Theater. Performance venues such as The Lerner Theater in Elkhart, Nappanee’s Round Barn Theater and Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury will all be featuring holiday-themed events throughout November and December this year. Mark noted, “It’s good to get tickets early and start planning.” At The Lerner, Premier Arts will perform “A Christmas Carol,” on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 and “Madeline’s Christmas,” Dec. 11. Another Christmas classic, the
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film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will have a free “Lunchtime Live” showing at 11 a.m. Dec. 15. Christmas concerts at The Lerner include Steven Curtis Chapman Acoustic Christmas, Dec. 14; A Motown Christmas, Dec. 16, and Martina McBride’s Joy of Christmas Tour, Dec. 17. “Das Dutchman Essenhaus is really popular through the holidays,” said Mark. In addition to its famed pies, Indiana’s largest restaurant stages original theatrical productions, and “A Very Mary Christmas” runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. “It’s not something people have seen anywhere else,” said Mark. Another original live production, a musical version of “A Christmas Carol” is playing at Round Barn Theater in Nappanee Nov. 3 to Dec. 31. For more information visit www.visitelkhartcounty.com.
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