Good morning, Valparaiso.

Valparaiso will host its Annual Spring Plant & Flower Sale at Urschel Pavilion—located at 70 Lafayette St in downtown—on May 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; the event will feature annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, hanging baskets and planters, with extended hours on May 9th while supplies last and payments accepted by cash, check or charge cards.

The Memorial Day Market craft and vendor show will take place on May 24 and 25 at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.

The event will feature handmade crafts, artisanal goods, music and food trucks with tickets at $5 for general admission, discounted rates for seniors and US veterans and free entry for kids under 10—visitors can attend from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

A Valparaiso man was critically injured after he allegedly approached a Gary officer with two butcher knives—resulting in the officer shooting him during an unrelated traffic stop, Gary Police Cmdr.

Thomas Pawlak said.

State lawmakers approved a two-year budget early Friday that raises the cigarette tax by $2 a pack and cuts spending for most state agencies starting July 1—this measure is designed to address a $2.4 billion revenue gap while funding pensions, Medicaid and law enforcement.

Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau and the Parks Board met with city council and local groups to talk about the future of the Banta Activity Center at 605 Beech Street—a historic center for senior programs.

The Board will vote on Tuesday, May 27 to ask for proposals for the sale, and if the plan is approved, senior programs will continue at the center for at least three years until a new location is chosen.

Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau and the Board met with City Council, Banta Activity Center members, and local leaders to discuss relocating senior programs from the historic facility due to costly renovations—on May 27, they will vote on a resolution to seek proposals for its sale with public input on July 29. The plan will keep part of the park while ensuring senior services continue in the building until a new site is found.

South Shore Orchestra String Quartet at Blackbird Cafe

3-4:30 p.m. — Blackbird Cafe — Free entry — Experience the beauty of live classical music in an intimate setting.

A Paris Stroll Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues — Ticket required — Enjoy a creative painting session while sipping cocktails and indulging in great food.

Tri Kappa Iota Bingo Night Fundraiser

10:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket required — Enjoy Bingo games with cash prizes and support local charity while indulging in a variety of appetizers.

VNA Stroll for Hospice

12-4 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a family-friendly stroll to support hospice care with food, music, and activities.

Forever Plaid Musical

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical filled with classic barbershop harmonies and delightful 1950s pop hits.

Mother's Day Brunch

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Journeyman at American Factory — Cost varies — Indulge in a delightful brunch buffet featuring sweet and savory dishes along with craft cocktails.

Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run

6-8 p.m. — Rogers Lakewood Park — Registration required — Enjoy a colorful 1.5-mile run with family-friendly activities and obstacles.

Arbor Lake Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale

1-7 p.m. — ValPLAYso — Free entry — Explore treasures in a family-friendly neighborhood garage sale with local charm.

The Early Summer Car, Truck & Bike Show

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $5 admission, $20 swap meet space — Experience an exciting day filled with vehicles, vendors, and a beer garden before Memorial Day.

Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run

— 8 a.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a community-focused 5K to support suicide prevention efforts.