WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The 22nd Annual Party in the Park at Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park is back this year. Citizens of Greater Lafayette can enjoy free food and activities from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Party in the Park had humble beginnings as a front yard church barbecue more than two decades ago at Calvary Church in West Lafayette. It has since outgrown its original location and moved to Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park, where it hosts an average of 2,000 guests annually.
“It grew every year as more people came,” said Amy Anthony, pastor of missions at Calvary Church. “It’s always been a free event. Just something we’d try to do at back-to-school to connect with people in our community, welcome new people to town, and provide a fun, free event for families”.
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More than 200 volunteers organized this year’s Party in the Park where fresh food and activities will be offered.
According to Anthony, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, local corn, popcorn, cotton candy, elephant ears, nachos and cheese and sno cones will be available as free refreshments for those guests
Sunday’s family activities will include bounce houses and other inflatables, including an inflatable boxing ring, escape tank, pony rides, a petting zoo, the Boilermaker Special a football toss and more.
This year’s event will be different from previous years, as 2022 marks the first time Calvary Church has partnered with Second Baptist Church and Casas de Luz to co-host the event.
“We think it’s very important for churches to come together,” Anthony said, “and work together to serve our community; to build relationships between churches. But also, one of the goals of Party in the Park is to help connect the people with a local church if they don’t have a church.”
Every part of this event is free for guests, from parking to food and activities. Reservations are not required, but fast passes are available for guests with special needs. The request for a fast pass can be made in advance by contacting info@yourcalvary.church or by calling 765-463-2622. Fastpasses will also be available at Party at the Park.
“(I look forward to) working with the other churches,” Anthony said. “I’ve gotten to know both churches pretty well over the past two years and I’m excited that we can volunteer together and hopefully connect people with their churches after Party in the Park.”
Anthony advised guests to use their GPS devices to navigate to the amphitheater due to construction taking place in the area. Due to this construction, the Ind. 43 is currently closed.
Party in the Park will be Sunday from 3-6pm at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park in West Lafayette. Information: your ordeal.church/party.
Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.
