News Release
Indiana Dunes Tourism
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PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes Tourism and Indiana Dunes National Park announced today that they will be hosting a nature-themed outdoor movie night fundraiser at the 49er Drive-In on October 8, 2020. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first film starting at 6:30 p.m. Ticket reservations are required in advance and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
This outdoor fundraising gala celebrates the premiere of the national park's new film, Indiana Dunes: Nature’s Masterpiece. The 24-minute documentary-style film will be followed by a showing of America Wild: National Parks Adventure, a 45-minute documentary narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford. The outdoor event will also include a snack box, popcorn, live music and a cash bar.
"This is an event for people who love the Indiana Dunes," said Dustin Ritchea, the Production Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism, "and we're excited to partner with the National Park Service to present this never-before-seen introduction to our new 'National Park.'
"Indiana Dunes: Nature’s Masterpiece, filmed by Chesterton local, Thad Donovan, leads viewers on a tour of the Indiana Dunes, showcasing majestic views of Lake Michigan and its surrounding dunes, trails, forests and other habitats. National Park Service rangers take the viewer to various locations in the parks, highlighting examples of the unique plant and animal biodiversity found in the Indiana Dunes. This includes pitcher plants, cacti and some of the over 350 species of birds that live in or travel through the dunes area. Local historical sites and areas of geological interest are also explored.
“Indiana Dunes National Park is very excited to partner with Indiana Dunes Tourism on the soon to be released Indiana Dunes: Nature’s Masterpiece,” said Paul Labovitz, Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent. “The film was made to welcome visitors to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and introduce them to the amazing features of our parks. It showcases the Indiana Dunes’ staggering amount of natural and cultural features, which will surely lead to extended trips for visitors. All of us are proud of the production, and we hope it serves us for the years ahead.
”The second film, America Wild: National Parks Adventure, celebrates American’s national wonders. The film takes viewers on an awe-inspiring tour of some of the country’s most legendary national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Redwood National Park, the Everglades and Arches. The outdoor event will take place at the 49er Drive-In thanks to the generosity of the owner, Mike Cotton. Musical entertainment will be provided by local musician, Johnny V, who generously donated his services. National Park Service rangers will also be on hand to answer questions. A short introduction will be given by Lorelei Weimer, the Executive Director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, and Paul Labovitz, the Park Superintendent for the Indiana Dunes National Park."The outdoor event was planned with COVID-19 safety in mind,” explained Michelle Senderhauf, Communications Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism. “Food will be provided at the door so guests can remain in their car for the entire event if they choose to do so. Health safety protocols, including frequent sanitation and social distancing, will also be implemented. We want this to be a fun and safe event for everyone.” She also noted that the 49er Drive-In concession stand will be closed, but restrooms will be open for use.
Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a snack box, popcorn, and musical entertainment by Johnny V. There will also be a cash bar provided by the Porter County Expo Center. Ticket sales will be limited to 225 cars due to local regulations. Proceeds from the event will help fund needed enhancements planned for the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center located at 1215 N State Road 49. The visitor center not only welcomes visitors to the Indiana Dunes area but also houses the Indiana Dunes National Park visitor center rangers and is the main office for Indiana Dunes Tourism staff members.
Interested media can contact Dustin Ritchea at dustin@indianadunes.com for more information or interview requests.
About Indiana Dunes TourismIndiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for the Indiana Dunes area (Porter County, IN). Since 1986, they have been promoting the Indiana Dunes and the great communities throughout Porter County to potential visitors, as well as encouraging local residents to take advantage of all this area has to offer. For more information, visit www.indianadunes.com or call 219-926-2255.
About the Indiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes National Park is part of the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
About Smith Donovan VideoThad Donovan is owner and president of Smith Donovan Video, based in Chesterton, Indiana. As an experienced cinematographer and licensed drone operator, Thad produces award-winning videos for clients in travel & tourism, nonprofits, municipalities, education, medical arts, restaurants, architecture, events, and real estate, across Northwest Indiana. He and his team help clients “say it with video” through compelling storytelling, creating memorable video content for broadcast, websites, social media, theatrical releases, and streaming media.Martin Buinicki is Lead Writer for Smith Donovan Video and Professor of English at Valparaiso University. He specializes in American literature, culture, and philanthropic studies, and is the author of two books and numerous articles. In addition to his work with SD Video, Martin is Lead Writer for Gaming Honors, a fantasy roleplaying game company based in Valparaiso, Indiana.Angie Carlson is the Lead Video Editor and Producer at Smith Donovan. For the last decade, she has worked with a variety of prestigious organizations throughout Northwest Indiana as both a freelancer and member of the Smith Donovan team. Her specialty is creating emotionally compelling stories through her edits. In addition to working at Smith Donovan, Angie is also a poet whose work has been published in zines throughout Northwest Indiana.
About 49er Drive-InLocated in Valparaiso, the 49er Drive-In Theatre is Northwest Indiana’s only drive-in theater and one of only around 300 in the entire country. This beloved Indiana Dunes area attraction has been showing movies for over 60 years. It retains its original look and classic design, but is updated with a modern screen and amenities. Movie-goers can enjoy all the aspects of a 1950s drive-in merged with modern-day convenience. Learn more at www.49erdrivein.com.
About Johnny VJohnny V (Vermilye) as a musical artist likes to stay "true to himself". A singer/songwriter with a complex sound that transcends genres, his bluesy, folk, Americana sound has a flavorful twist that keeps an audience's attention. His unique style has been influenced by his love of a wide variety of music from acoustic to bluegrass to R&B to progressive rock. Learn more at www.thejohnnyv.com.
Additional Resources:Website: www.indianadunes.comPrinted and Electronic Guides: www.indianadunes.com/destination-guidesVideos: www.youtube.com/c/indianadunescountryOnline Calendar of Events: www.indianadunes.com/events3 Dune Challenge: www.indianadunes.com/3dcGrant Program: www.indianadunes.com/grants
Please note: This is a shared news release from our partner, Indiana Dunes Tourism, about the premiere of our new park orientation video.
Last updated: September 28, 2020