The five-week tournament was designed to kick-off a new marketing campaign implemented by Visit Michigan CityLaPorte aimed at re-establishing Michigan City as one of the nations’ top fishing destinations. Decades ago the city, thanks to its plentiful Lake Michigan waters, was known as the Coho Capital of the Midwest and had now been re-branded as “Coho Capital of the World.”

For five weeks, fishermen from throughout the region fished the waters of Lake Michigan and brought their catch to Jerry Ross at Lake Michigan Charters, in Michigan City, for the official weigh-in.

The biggest Salmon and trout caught each week won the respective angler a $100 weekly prize, and the biggest overall salmon and trout won the respective angler $500 each.

Scott Ross and Adam McGugin won the overall prizes.

We thank members of the Hoosier Coho Club, Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, and Indiana DNR, for their help in kicking off what we hope is a tournament that helps bring Michigan City back to the fishing prominence it held decades ago.

The grand prix is a year-long prep for us, but when the temps begin warming and the sun stays out longer is when we really kick things into gear preparing for August. Race dates are July 31-Aug. 5, with a community kick-off event Tuesday, July 31, at Washington Park Beach. After a full week of events, including the very popular Taste of Michigan CIty, boat parade and block party downtown the night of Saturday, Aug. 4, come to Washington Park Beach and watch the world’s best racers and fastest boats compete for titles at speeds topping 150 miles per hour.

We want to again thank all our great partners, without whom, this event wouldn’t happen. We also want to thank all the racers and teams, along with Super Boat International, all of whom make the Great Lakes Grand Prix one of the premier events in all of Northern Indiana.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates. As cool things happen regarding the 2012 Great Lakes Grand Prix, we;ll make sure we let you all know about them right here.

So thanks and we’ll see you in August.

This is how Shady Creek Winery has described itself on its website. I have to say I do agree. When you walk into the gift shop you don’t feel like you’re in a place of business. You almost feel like you’re at home. The atmosphere is cozy with artwork on the walls, a large fireplace in the center of the main room, and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some of LaPorte County’s finest wine.

The gift shop has many items available for sale from wine accessories to the artwork on the walls to the delicious bottles of wine. The artwork featured at Shady Creek is created by local artists in the LaPorte County area. The winery has some adorable bottle stoppers that make great gifts. And the staff is friendly and willing to help with whatever you might be searching for.

The winery offers live music by Dave Marciniak on Sundays from 1-4 PM. Shady Creek is also available to host private events. They offer wine tastings for smaller groups up to 24 people. For the larger groups they will help you find a caterer and open the whole facility and the surrounding grounds for your event.

What the winery is best known for, of course, is their wines. From red to white, dry to semi-sweet, Shady Creek has a several varieties to choose from. You can spend some time in the tasting room to find that perfect wine. Shady Creek also offers “Perfect Pairing Plates”-pairing certain foods with the wine to bring out the best flavor-at a very reasonable price.

Don’t miss out on this gem in LaPorte County. Stop in to taste some wine and mingle with some friendly people at the winery. Shady Creek is open Wednesday-Sunday, March-mid December. Check their website for more information: www.shadycreekwinery.com