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Each year, AWLI sponsors four major events that are bi-state, family-friendly, and open to all age groups at no cost. In the process of conducting these events, AWLI fosters bi-state cooperation. The three festivals provide activities, clinics and instructions for both young and old. Poster contests are available at each event in an effort to instill in youngsters a stewardship ethic. The fourth event is the Greening of the Arts Tour, Reception & Show.
Each year, AWLI co-sponsors with Calumet College of St. Joseph a monthly forum on the cultural and environmental Calumet Region. |
Winter Wonderland at Wolf Lake Festival |
Introduced in 2002, These festivals, held the Saturday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in mid-January, seek to demonstrate to young and old alike the many ways they can enjoy the lake through the coldest months of the year. Depending on the weather, events include cross country skiing, skating, ice-safety competition, and tree identification walks. There are talks and discussions on topics ranging from Wolf Lake history and wildlife to the Underground Railroad.
Morning activities are held at the Environmental Education Center in Hammond. Afternoon activities are centered around the Visiting Center at William Powers State Fish & Wildlife Area in Chicago. Visitors find various exhibits and displays for viewing at both locations. |
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AWLI’s initial festival was held in 2001 as a way to showcase Wolf Lake as a bi-state resource for recreation, education, and family fun. These are usually two-day events held over Memorial Day Weekend. Morning activities are held at the Environmental Education Center, Hammond. Afternoon events are held at the William Powers State Fish & Wildlife Area in Chicago. Activities include canoeing and kayaking, fishing clinic, kite flying, face painting, and demonstrations of wind surfing, sailing, and competitive rowing.
A sunrise service, complete with ecumenical choir and color guard, starts Sunday events at the William Powers State Fish & Wilflife Area. This is followed by breakfast and other activities. |
Wolf Lake Bi-State Wetland, Wind & Water Festival |
Active Living Faire |
This festival began in 2004 to counter bad lifestyle and nutritional habits among young and old alike. The day features free health screenings, a donation-based farmers market, hikes, a bike tour, talks and demonstration on healthy eating, and discussions on good nutrition, obesity, and childhood diabetes and a bike tour.
The events are held in late September or early October at the Environmental Education Center and at shelters at the William Powers State Fish & Wildlife Area. |
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Held during two weekends in late October, a Saturday tour of artists’ studios and art galleries is followed the next weekend by a artist reception and show. The show at the Bernard Gallery at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York Avenue, Whiting, features artists who use recycled products or who focus on nature and the environment. An artists’ forum and a talk on art and nature precede an evening wine and cheese reception with live music. There is a judging of student art.
The show continues through mid-December. |
Greening of the Arts Tour, Reception & Show |