The 98th National Convention will take place at The Clarion Inn, located in Michigan City, Indiana, July 27th through July 31st, 2011. We look forward to welcoming you!

If you have any questions, please call Andreja Deksnis, Convention Chair at 773-480-3008 or email
[email protected]

To obtain a registration or ad book form, please email [email protected] or call Andreja Deksnis at 773-480-3008.

Accomodations: The Clarion Inn, Michigan City, 219-879-0311
                                        Rate $109, under Knights of Lithuania

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Transportation options include:
 
*To estimate your drive we are about a 4 hour drive from Detroit, 5 from Dayton, 7 from Pittsburgh and 11 hours from Binghamton, New York 
*If you were planning on flying in, you could fly into Gary/ Chicago International Airport (Indiana); South Bend Regional Airport (Michigan); Chicago Midway Airport or Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. From Gary, Indiana or South Bend, Michigan you have the option of renting a car (30 min from Gary and 45 min from South Bend) or taking the Southshore Line ($5 one way and you would get off at the 11th Street Stop (1 1/2 miles from the hotel). Please visit nictd.com for the Southshore Line information. From Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare your options are renting a car (1 1/2 hours from Chicago to Michigan City) or you can take 'Coach USA' charter bus. The bus leaves every hour starting at approximately 6am and ending at 11pm. The bus will take you from each airport and will drop you off at the entrance of the Clarion!Very convenient! As of Oct '10, one way is $26 and round-trip is $49. Please visit Coachusa.com for more details.
*Another option would be taking the Amtrak Train or Greyhound bus. Please visit their websites for additional information.

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Local Area Activities:
-Mt. Baldy, sand dune
-Michigan City Zoo
-Michigan City beach and Lighthouse
-International Friendship Gardens, where there are tributes to past Lithuanian presidents including a tree that was planted by the 1st President of Lithuania, Antanas Smetona
http://friendshipgardens.org/Gardens/interest/lithuanian.htm
-Lighthouse Place, Premium Outlet Mall
-Blueberry picking at Billy Boys Blueberry farm
-Blue Chip Casino
-Four Winds Casino
-Summer towns of New Buffalo, MI and Union Pier, MI (Approx. 20 minute drive)... Union Pier is a Lithuanian summer community. There you can find Milda's Cornermarket and pick up some delicious Lithuanian favorites! Also, If you would like to extend your trip, you can treat yourself by renting a cozy cabin and relax along the beaches of Lake Michigan at Gintaras Resort. Gintarasresort.com
-Additional summer beach towns worth checking out would be Holland, Saugatuck or Douglas, MI... (Just under 1 1/2 hours)
-There are also numerous wineries within the area and in Southwest, Michigan
-We are 1 and 1/2 hours from Downtown, Chicago. Spend the day walking through the numerous parks, along the lakefront, enjoy fine dining and shopping or catch a show! Parking downtown can be a hassle, so hop on the Southshore Line ($8 one way and the 11st Street Stop is located 1 1/2 miles from the Clarion).

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Dining:

For a fun and  family friendly dining experience, may we suggest:
*Treehouse, Long Beach
*Hacienda, Long Beach  http://www.haciendafiesta.com/
*Swingbelly's, Michigan City

For a "good burger" :
*The Ritz Club, 21 and older, Michigan City
*Redamaks (Famous in Northwest, Indiana and Southwest, Michigan), New Buffalo  http://redamaks.com/

For awesome food: *** = GREAT for lunch after a session!
*Bartletts Gourmet Grill and Tavern, Beverly Shores  http://eatatbartletts.com/
*Galveston's Steakhouse, Michigan City  http://thegalvestonsteakhouse.com/
*Giorgetti's Italian, Michigan City  *** http://giorgettis.com/index.php/michigan-city-yacht-club
*Panini Panini, Downtown Michigan City ***
*Shoreline Brewery, Michigan City  *** http://www.shorelinebrewery.com/
*Sahara, Mediterranean Cuisine, Michigan City *** http://eatatmoes.net/Sahara_Restaurant/Welcome.html

If you're in the mood for fine dining, may be suggest:
*Maxine's, Downtown Michigan City  http://maxines521.com/
*Bentwood Tavern, New Buffalo, MI (overlooking the marina)  http://www.marinagrandresort.com/bentwood
*Skips, Union Pier, MI  http://skipsrestaurantandcatering.info/

"Beach themed" Favorites:
*Bridges Waterside Grille, Michigan City   http://pioneerpier.com/
*Matey's, Michigan City  http://mateysrestaurant.com/welcome.php

A Lithuanian deli:
*Milda's Cornermarket, Union Pier, MI  http://www.milda.us/home.htm

Amazing take Out:
*Scartozzi's Trattoria, Long Beach http://www.scartozzi.com/

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Convention Activities are to include the following:

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Pre-Convention Tour to Saugatuck, Michigan: Approx. $65/ adult; $45/ Junior 
*Tentative time: 7:15am to 5:30pm
*A charter bus to and from Saugatuck, MI
*Leisurely hours to wander through an array of fine boutiques, art galleries and to take in the sights of this beautiful beach town...
*An outdoor, waterfront lunch
*An afternoon boat cruise on the 'Star of Saugatuck'
*Crane's Orchard for Pie and beverage of your choice
*If time allows, a stop at one of Michigan's Wineries

Bonfire in Long Beach, Stop 21, Private Beach: $5/ person
*Tentative time: 7pm to 10pm
*Charter bus to and from the Clarion Inn to Long Beach
*Campfire Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided
*Blankets will be provided (There will also be a limited amount of beach chairs)
*Please be advised there are 2 flights of stairs and limited lighting

Thursday, July 28th, 2011
*Opening mass at St. Ann of the Dunes, Beverly Shores
*Luncheon will be held at the hotel
*First Session will begin at 1:30pm. Juniors will meet at noon for a pizza and pool party.
*Cultural Night featuring a Lithuanian band, traditional Lithuanian food, beer/wine/pop and outdoor activities. Buses will leave for Krueger Memorial at 5:45pm.

Friday, July 29th, 2011
*Complimentary breakfast will be served from 6am to 9am in the lobby
*Daily Mass will be held at the hotel at 8:30am
*Second Session will begin at 10am. After the meeting, you will be able to enjoy lunch at one of Michigan City's plethora of restaurants (If you need suggestions, just ask! :) ) or take a drive to the beach, casino's or outlet mall!
*Juniors will meet at approximately 9am for their Friday Outing
*50's Friday- Friday evening Get Together at Ragtops Auto Museum, buses will leave at 5:45pm
*There you can walk through the Museum, dance to the classics, enjoy a cook-out and beverages (beer/wine/pop) and remember to dress your 50's best! There will be a "best dressed" contest as well as an "American Bandstand" contest! And much more!
*For those interested, 21+, there will be a bus leaving the Get Together to take those to Blue Chip Casino from 10pm-12am

Saturday, July 30th, 2011
*Complimentary breakfast will be served from 7am to 10am
*Third Session will begin at 10am. (Seating arrangements must be turned in by 10:15am)
*Once again, you can dine within the Michigan City area or partake in local activities after session.
*Banquet. Dinner will be served at 7:15pm.

Sunday, July 31st, 2011
*Brunch will be held at the Michigan City Center along Lake Michigan
*After brunch, if you would like, you could walk along the Lake or through the park
*Closing mass and Convention Photo at St. Ann of the Dunes
*Have a safe trip home!