#255: Niles Bluegrass Festival

I'm happy to report that one of the "365 South Bend" founders will be moving back to the Bend in a week's time, and as such, from here on out, this blog will be updated on a regular basis until we reach our goal of 365 posts about all the wonderful things to do in the community. 

Last summer, as all bloggers were away, we didn't really highlight much around the community. Yet summer is, in my opinion, the best time to be here.  (And yes, summer includes the first ND football of the season.)

Being on the very edge of the Eastern Standard Time zone blesses St. Joe County with incredibly long hours of daylight.  And simple math here: more hours of daylight = more fun outside = more fun.

Some of the most fun to be had in the summertime are the unplanned events -- those impromptu pick-up soccer games, or lazy afternoons wasted out on the nearest patch of grass or beach, or just hanging out on the deck until someone realizes the beer's gone and it's way past midnight.  However, just in case some boredom sets in, this blog might give you some suggestions how to shake up your summer.  And of course, feel free to send your suggestions in as well!

Not ready for the work week yet?  How about closing out the weekend with a free music festival?
Today marks the last day of a festival that's been going on all weekend - the Niles Bluegrass Festival.  And I think bluegrass goes with summer almost as well as lemonade does.  Now in its tenth year, the festival hosts more than 20 bands to jam from morning (10am) till night (9pm).  There are two stages, both on St. Joseph River -- the perfect place to sit back, relax, and listen to some music. 

When: Thursday, May 31 -Sunday, June 3, 10am - 9pm
Where: Riverfront Park, Wayne Street, Niles, Michigan  (Niles is only about 20 minutes north on Route 31 for most residents of the 574 code)
Website: http://www.nilesbluegrass.com/
Cost: Free!

#250: East Bank Emporium

Highlighting the celebration for First Friday in downtown South Bend is a monthly favorite.  It's truly an event not be missed, and there always seems to be one stand-out event (or a few) that distinguish one month's festivities from another. 

For February 2012, the theme is "Shiver on the River" and it features fireworks over the river at 8:30.  The Howard Park Ice Rink is open, and around downtown, there will be free hot chocolate around the area.  Lucky for us, unlike last year's blizzard, the weather forecast will be more forgiving for roaming around between spots.  Less fortunately, it also marks the second-to-last night of Winter Restaurant Week (bummer). 

With these factors in mind, I recommend making a stop at the East Bank Emporium.  This restaurant, right on the East Bank Trail, is on the other side of the river from downtown and might seem a little distant from the action.  Quite the opposite.
 
1) It's located between the downtown art galleries and stories and the Jefferson row shops, not to mention the nearby ice rink.
2) You will have the ideal vantage point for watching the fireworks. 
3) The Emporium is participating in restaurant week, so you can get a 4 course meal (app, salad/soup, entree, and dessert -- per person!) for $25.

[I took advantage of this deal last week --and I emphasize deal.  The crab cake appetizer was delicious, and the BBQ salmon portion generous.  I was too full for dessert, but our waitress kindly gave us each a slice of cake to-go instead of insisting we forgo what we couldn't eat.]

In addition to its food, its ambiance is worth the trip across the river.  The light woodwork and antique light fixtures give this place a nostalgic feel.  The tiered eating levels break up the large space, so it is a comfortable place for a couple or a party of 12 to go. 

It's hard to articulate how unique the interior is.  See it to believe it.

For First Fridays, it will be especially lively because of Chicago rocker Don Savoie, who will be playing will be live music from 5:30-8:30 PM.  At the end of his set, you will be in a perfect position to watch the fireworks go off over the river. 

Where: 121 S Niles Ave
Call (574) 234-9000 for reservations and hours.
Website: http://www.eastbankemporium.com/


Tip: Huge parking lot!  Don't worry about that. 
Tip 2 (for later): They have a spacious deck that is perfect for an outdoor drink or meal, right on the river!  I don't know of any restaurants closer to the river's edge than this one.

#244: Niles Frigid 5K

If you want to get going on your New Year's Resolution to work out more, here is the thing to do for you this weekend: the Niles Frigid 5K.  Finishing a race, especially one with such a hardcore name, gives you such a feeling of accomplishment, no matter what place you finish.  (Eg. See the excellent guest post recap of the Sunburst races.)  Age group awards, a forgiving start time (9 AM) and the appeal of hot chili afterward make this race an even better way to start an exercise regimen. 

It's rare to have a race mid-winter and rarer that we don't have significant snow cover, so take advantage of this opportunity, and you will have of being on your way to meet your fitness goals.

And you're waiting until the Chinese New Year to make your resolution, come to pique your appetite for the Hunter Ice Festival, which we featured last year (#105).

Where: Niles Amphitheater, Niles, MI
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 9:00 start time
Cost: $20 w/o shirt; $25 with shirt (quantities limited)
Register at the website http://www.nilesf5k.com/ or on the day of.

#236: Freaky Flower Friday

What's scarier than this jack-o-lantern?

Nothing.  Honestly, I can't think of anything more menacing than that pumpkin's face, but the South Bend Potawatomi Conservatories' "Freaky Flower Friday" promises to feature some equally frightening flora and fauna.

Trick-or-treaters and boo-tanists of all ages are invited to visit the Potawatomi Conservatories for an evening of horrifying horticulture, vexing vegetation, and delicious Halloween candy.  If you're asking yourself "how scary could a plant be?" take another look at the creep-o-lantern above.  That image will haunt my dreams, and I bet the folks at the conservatories have some spookier botany planned for tomorrow night.


Location: Potawatomi Conservatories, 2105 Mishawaka Ave, SB
When: Tomorrow!  Friday, October 28th from 6 to 8 pm
A Fun Freaky Fact: These conservatories are heated by computers owned by the University of Notre Dame, which is an especially green use of that energy.  So tomorrow evening when you escape the cold for a little Halloween fun, it's thanks to an eco-friendly example of collaboration between the City of South Bend and Notre Dame.
Warning: Don't eat the plants, just the Halloween candy - unless instructed otherwise by Potawatomi Conservatories staff...

#234: Brewfest

I have highlighted a slew of beer-related events recently, and oenophiles and die-hard Smirnoff icers: I am sorry.

But I will argue -- save the lone winery in Granger and tequila tasting at Agave -- that this is a beer town.  Between South Bend and Elkhart, four breweries have arisen in the past two years.  You can find dollar drafts, rare crafts, and everything in between.

This weekend features the inaugural South Bend Brewfest.  This Saturday, before the USC-ND game, thirty-six breweries from around the world will be offering samples of 120 beers.  South Bend's Four Horsemen and Evil Genius will be present, and Granger's Bare Hands, whose brewery doesn't open for another month, will offer advance tasting.  You can find familiar brews as well, such as Blue Moon, Sam Adams, Woodchuck Cider, and Three Floyds.  For the complete list, check out the blog The Beer is Good.

Tickets cost $30 at the door, and your ticket gets unlimited tasting, a pint glass, a ticket for a food item, and a chance to win a range of raffle items.

Where: Century Center (outside on Island Park if the weather is nice)
When: Noon - 4 PM
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Tip: Designated driver tickets are only $10, which includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a food ticket, and a raffle ticket.  Otherwise, TRANSPO is advised.  And don't forget your ID because obviously 21 and up-only event.  (Sorry college kids!)

#221: Zoo Brew

When you’re a kid, there’s nothing like going to the zoo with playmates. When you’re a grown-up, there’s nothing like going to the bar with some friends. It’s an added bonus if you happen to be sampling a variety of beers with those friends.

Luckily, the Potawatomi Zoological Society’s 3^rd Annual “Zoo Brew” has combined those two dream-states tonight from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the zoo. Unluckily for some, the event is sold out, having generated 750 tickets for thirsty South Benders, Mishawakans, Grangerites and folks from across Michiana.

About 30 local breweries and groups will have stations for samplers to fill small glasses. Some of the breweries featured include Upland, Bell’s, Three Floyd’s, New Holland, New Belgium, and Barley Island. For a visual savoring of this great event, check out the happy promotional video the Zoo put together.

A creative participant will try to find beers that match his or her description. For me, it would be a “hoppy ginger with a hidden complexity and pale coloring.” For others, it would be a “tall, adventurous brown ale with a curious aftertaste of nuts and berries.”

So if it’s tonight or next year, be sure you find your favorite animal from childhood and combine it with your favorite beer from the region. You might leave thinking of an Otter Gumballhead or an Elephant Fat Tire!

-guest post by a resident Golden Lion Tamarin

Where: Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn

When: Tonight, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Website: http://potawatomizoo.org/Zoo_Brew.asp

#220: Pow Wow

Potawatomi, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Chippewa... those names all sounded odd when I first moved to the area. Yet I soon grew used to the way they roll off your tongue, and the more I learned about the area, the more I appreciated them: they recall the town's foundations in the Indian tribes that dwelled here.

Keepers of the Fire, the English translation of Potawatomi, is  also the name of the bright orange installation artwork on the river next to  the Century Center

This weekend, a pow wow at St. Patrick's Park brings this heritage to the forefront.  There will be several tribes present, performing music and in dance contests and displaying authentic dress.  Vendors will sell crafts, such as leather- and beadwork, and food.  Check out wigwams and teepees, the fox dance and flint knapping.

Where: Fragomeni Shelter, St. Patrick's Park, 50651 Laurel Road

When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 8 pm; dancing both days at 1:00 pm and at 6:00 pm on Saturday

Cost: $6/adults, includes admission to the state park

Check out the website here or call 231.371.6661 for more information.

#218: Off Beat

Last year, we profiled the prolific Art Beat, probably the biggest festival of the South Bend festival season.  Imagine an artists' tailgate on St. Joseph Street in downtown South Bend, and that's the best comparison for the number--and energy--of booths around.   It lasts from 11:00am-6:00pm this Saturday, and you can spend anywhere from minutes to hours wandering around looking at everything.

Last year, I came, left, returned, spent another hour, and then, wandered home when the artists started closing up their booths.  Six o'clock is a bit early for the day to end, it felt, and I'm glad some others felt similarly....This year, stores across the river from downtown--CircaArts, Inspire Me!, Piser Designs, Junk Evolution/Carpenter Gothic, and Just Goods--will be hosting "Off Beat", a spin-off from the larger event.  It will start at 4:00pm and last until 9:00pm.

I assume it will have a similar atmosphere to the First Fridays celebrations, but some stores, in addition to the extended hours and appetizers, will be hosting artists.  For example, at Marigold's, Tim and Conner MacDonald, two local artists, will be displaying their work.

Check our previous post on ArtBeat for information about where to park and what other events are going on.

#213: On the River

Ever wish you lived in South Beach instead of South Bend?  Well, for one weekend a year, on an unused plot overlooking downtown, On the River brings the beach to the Bend.  This event, begun in 2008, is a fundraiser for the Center for the Homeless and has grown into one of the biggest summer festivals in the city.

As opposed to many events, which tend to be either family-oriented or beer tent-oriented (and not even trying with the hard-to-please teen crowd), the multiple nights of On the River allows everyone* to enjoy the novelty of a sand beach and palm trees in DTSB.  Each night features a  DJ and live music, volleyball and cornhole, and tropical drinks and food, although on Teen night, the daiquiris are virgin and "Freaky Tiki Punch" is not available.  Family Day on Saturday afternoon gives kids the chance to build sand castles and enjoy a variety of carnival activities in an alcohol-free environment... more than you can say for most beaches on Lake Michigan.  Tonight's 21+ Beach Bash kicks off in only a few hours, and get your crew there early for the volleyball or cornhole tournament (3:00 and 5:30 pm start, respectively).

21+ Beach Bash

New this year was In the River, an organized group paddle of the St. Joe Saturday morning.  Organizers were aiming to get 200 boats out on the river.  Look for the follow-up to see if they made their goal!

When: Friday, August 5, 6:00-11:00 pm (Teen Night); Saturday, August 6, 11:00 am-3:00pm (Family Day), 3:00-11:00pm (Beach Bash)
Where: near Colfax Ave. Bridge on the east side of the St. Joe River, across from the Century Center

For tickets, to register for the tournaments, and for more information about parking and what to bring, visit www.ontheriverfest.com.

*Except for Senior night.  Perhaps it's the heat, the skill needed to maneuver on sand, or the loud music, but it would be great to welcome South Bend's eldest out to enjoy the beach!

#210: The Enshrinement Festival & Grand Parade

Some things don't last forever: College Football Hall of Fame is slated to leave South Bend.  This is all the more reason you should come out to Enshrinement Festival Grand Parade, before the museum (and associated festivities) relocates to Atlanta, George in 2013. 

If you have never attended the festival, here are some other reasons to see what this weekend is all about:

• the chance to see football greats Desmond Howard, Mark Herrmann, Barry Alvarez and Gene Stallings, and all others who are being enshrined in the Hall of Fame
• 100 units in Saturday morning's parade, including giant helium balloons, fabulous floats featuring this years class of Hall of Famers, marching bands, antique vehicles and specialty units ( if standing in the sun is a deterrant, there are bleachers set up on the parade route)
• five dollar entry to the FanFest, which offers autograph opportunities and a clinic for the kids, as well as the ability to see the presentation of the official enshrinement blazers at noon
• a simple reason to come downtown, support local businesses, and spend some time enjoying the lovely summer weather

And although the event has passed, all day yesterday, there was a ribs cookoff and downtown block party.  Put it on your calendar for next year, the last year the festival will be held.

A view from last year's festival (Photo credit SB On)

For all event details check out the Enshrinement Website at http://www.enshrinementfestival.org/.  Today's parade starts at 9:30am and the festivities continue all day.

#206: World Refugee Day

Continuing with the weekend festivities... add World Refugee Day to your Saturday agenda!  The St. Joseph County chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting this downtown event, highlighting the plight of refugees around the world and in our own backyard.  It sounds like this event will festively add a little flair to downtown South Bend with some live music, a variety of food, and a lively celebration of culture from every corner of the globe.  Find more information on World Refugee Day and even learn how to participate by sharing your favorite food here on the Red Cross website.

Where: Downtown South Bend, between Wayne and Jefferson Street at 217 S. Michigan Street
When: Saturday June 18th, 11 am to 2 pm
Cost: This event is free and open to the public


Click here to listen to Executive Director John Pinter speaking about World Refugee Day on NPR.

#205: Leeper Park Art Fair

Well, in the past week, we've featured two fests, and a festival, and we're about to highlight a few festivals in upcoming post, so it's only fair we blog about a fair.  (No pun intended.)

The Leeper Park Art Fair is taking place this weekend, and it's only one of the longest running festivals in the area, now going on its 44th year.  It's sponsored by the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, but by no means is the art on display (and for sale!) limited to this medium -- you can find photography, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, ....the list goes on.

There will be more than 120 artists' booths in this shady spot by the river.  Each artist had to apply for a space to promote their work, and there is prize money for winning pieces, so this fair also functions as a curated art show of sorts.  The convenient location off Michigan (and park setting) make it a very accessible "day at the gallery" for children, dogs, or anyone whose attention to art is generally short.  If you enjoyed ArtBeat or Arts Cafe, this is not an event to miss.

Give yourself sufficient time to wind your way through all the offerings and be your own jury, picking out your favorite pieces.  If you plan on attending Saturday's EcoFest, it's a wonderful way to extend your day outdoors.

When: Saturday, June 18, 10 am - 6pm
Sunday, June 19, 10 am - 5pm
Where: Seriously? Leeper Park.  900 N. Michigan Ave., next to the river, across from the Northshore Triangle.
Cost: Free to browse!  Refreshments and art vary in price.

#204: EcoFest at Howard Park

Another guest post! And this one is from a longtime friend and perhaps the original 365 South Bend fan.  She's been around since our amateur days when we only talked incessantly about our adventures, instead of actually writing about them.  Since this Saturday and Sunday are busting-at-the-seams with events, we're starting the weekend a little bit early with a preview post on EcoFest.  Comment on this post or write on our Facebook wall with more events going on this weekend!

I work here in South Bend at a place bustling with activity, and it's easy to get bogged down by the constant barrage of events and fairs happening in Michiana, especially in the summertime. But I wanted to post to alert readers to Ecofest, an event slated for Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in Howard Park.

"Not another green event," you say. (I can hear you groaning. No, really.) But Downtown South Bend isn't throwing another informational fair to give the same old reduce-reuse-recycle speech. To embrace a more holistic understanding of global stewardship, the city is trying to spread the message that "green" isn't all about paper and plastic but about living better. Whether that means shopping at the Farmer's Market, where you can learn the difference between a cucumber and a pickle from the farmer who grows them (They're not the same vegetable! I asked!); or riding a bicycle to work because you're tired of road construction; or listening to music in the park instead of watching television, "green" is a pretty sweet idea.

So come on over to Howard Park, see how high the river has risen, enjoy some live music, climb a rock wall, watch a professional bicycle race, and check out all the exhibits with tips and ideas for living greener. We'll try to surprise you, I promise.

Here are the details again:

Where: Howard Park, South Bend
When: Saturday June 18, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Tip: Come ready to shop and score some great swag.  Local organizations and businesses bring great items available for sale... or even for free.

#203: St. Andrew's Greek Festival

Just a few minute south of the Michigan border and a 15 minute drive north of downtown South Bend, you can find a little corner of Greece this weekend.  St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating their Mediterranean roots this Saturday and Sunday with a festival fit for the Gods of Mount Olympus.  You'll find carnival games and a climbing wall for the kids, traditional Greek dancing for the adventurous or musically-inclined, and then there's the food.... oh dear god, the food...

From spanakopita to souvlaki, baklava to kataife, and gyros to huge chunks of feta cheese, you will not leave St. Andrew's Greek Festival hungry.  This summer fest features all of the classic Grecian dishes.  Last night, we stopped by the fest for dinner, and between the two of us, we had a modest meal of spanakopita, Greek salad, gyros, a few pastries, and a couple beers.  Suffices to say that we both left very happy and very full.

Where: 52455 Ironwood Road, South Bend

When: Saturday, 12 pm to 11 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm

Cost:  General admission for the festival is $3 after 4 pm on Saturday and $2 after 2 pm on Sunday.  Children under 12 are free.

Tip: Gyros are only 5 tickets ($5) and the best deal on the menu by far. Of course, don't miss the pastries.  Do yourself a favor and take a break from your swim-suit-season diet.  This food is to die for.

Parking: Free - located to the north and west of the church

Missing out on the food at this event would be foolish, but failing to experience to energy and hospitality of South Bend's Greek community would be a serious mistake.  Not unlike having Polish sausage and noodles on Dyngus Day or corn beef and hash on St. Patrick's Day, enjoying a gyros and Keo under the blue and white tent at St. Andrew's is not just about food - it's about community, family, heritage, the good life, and yes, a good meal.  Like the banner on the back of the stage encourages "Experience the Greek life. Join the fun!"

#202: South Bend Blues and Ribs Fest

Only one letter differentiates "fest" and "feast", but I think the South Bend Blues and Ribs Fest will bring these two words together even further.  Among the many festivals this summer, this one in particular is a feast, both for your ears and your tastebuds.

In its inaugural year, the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department has booked some premier blues artists.  The Elwood Splinter's Blues Band, Michael Burkes, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, and Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers will be performing.  Their musical styles represent a range of sounds, drawing from either coast, with a hefty dose of Chicago jazz style thrown in.  A unique aspect of music festivals is the variety of music offered, and if you don't listen to blues much (yes, I'm guilty as charged!), you will likely hear something that you dig.  This lively but laidback musical style might just become part of the summer soundtrack.

In regard to food, variety is again a feature.  Area vendors and restaurants, including Lincolnway Cafe, Hillybilly Deluxe, and Fisher's Tips and Chips, will be selling ribs and other barbeque offerings.  And for those who may not be rib fans, Fiddler's Hearth, Bruno's Pizza, Island Snow, and a beer tent will be offering other forms of nourishment.

Whether it's Rod Piazza's virtuoso harmonica playing or Lincolnway Cafe's smokey ribs that draws you to the riverfront, bring your lawn chair out to the river to celebrate the summer. 

When: Sat., June 11, from 2pm - 10pm.  "Doors" open at noon.
Where: Howard Park
Cost: $16 beforehand, $21 at the door.

Click here for the line-up and to purchase tickets.

Tip: Don't have the bones to buy a tickets?  Set up your feast across the river at the office complex for a DIY festival experience.  But proceed do raise money for building baseball fields at Miracle Park, a proposed complex at Blackthorn for special needs children and adults.

UPDATE
Photos from Saturday:

Big crowds at Howard Park

Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers

 

View of the stage from the ribs line




The wait: over an hour.... and the ribs: worth it

The aftermath (we were too starved to get any before pictures)





#201: Shortcakes on the Blacktop

If you haven't already, you have 3 more hours to head over to St. James Cathedral in downtown South Bend on Lafayette Boulevard and grab some deeeeelicious summer strawberry shortcakes.  These homemade desserts are available to dine-in or carry-out, and the sweetest part is that all proceeds will benefit St. Margaret's House, Habitat for Humanity, and Bridges Out of Poverty.

In the interest of time, we'll keep it short(cake) and sweet.

When:11:00 am to 5:30 pm
Where: the blacktop of St. James Cathedral, 117 North Lafayette Blvd

Cost: $5 for fresh strawberries, homemade shortcake, ice cream, and whipped cream

So get off the computer, and go enjoy some philanthropically delicious delights in this (unexpected) sunny weather!

#190: River Park Parade

Summer's right around the Bend!  Tomorrow morning is the River Park Parade, a time to celebrate this colorful neighborhood -- home to the zoo, IUSB, Allie's, Bryan's Piano Barr (d. 2010), to name a few. 

This area was once had a government independent from South Bend, and only in 1911 did it become incorporated into the larger town.  IUSB professor Jack Detzler called River Park "the most important annexation for all of South Bend."

Photo taken from Devon Haupt's Flickr

 So I feel, in context of its backstory, River Park is to South Bend the way Texas is to the United States.  And Texas is known for its pride in its heritage, its community, and its pomp.  Along the same lines, the John Adams High School Marching Band will lead the way from IUSB, and in last years, more than 1,000 spectator have come out to line the route along Mishawaka Avenue.  All are encouraged to join in the parade, and there's a decorating contest for kids for who can deck out their bike, stroller, or wagon the best.

Photo taken from Devon Haupt's Flickr

When: 10 am - 12 pm
Where: The parade begins at IUSB and continues on Mishawaka Ave. heading east toward Logan Street.
Read here to learn more about the history of River Park.

#185: Howard Park Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo

It seems that whenever a holiday falls mid-week, South Bend will celebrate it on a Saturday, preferably at a park, and most likely with music, food, possibly a parade, and probably a contest between parents about whose child is the cutest.  (See St. Patrick's Day and its Lil' Leprechaun Contest.)

Cinco de Mayo is no different, and although you can predict most of the day's activities, that doesn't take away from the excitement and reason to celebrate this Mexican holiday.  At 10 am, there is a parade beginning at St. Francis Street.  It ends at Howard Park, where several local Hispanic food and craft vendors will be peddling their delicious/delightful wares.  Polish, Mexican and Country Western bands will all take the stage at some point.  And yes, there is a "Little Miss Cinco de Mayo Pageant".

On the more unusual side of the spectrum, other events include a jalepeno and watermelon eating contest (4:30 pm), balet folklorico (2:00 pm), a performance by the Potawatomi Indians (1:30 pm), and a salsa contest (4:30 pm).  Also, neighbors, heads up: there is a grito [shouting] contest at 12:15pm, which guarantees to be quite the display of vocal cords in the American Indian tradition.

Where: Howard Park
When: 10 am - 6:30 pm
For more information: call 574-340-6959 or check the Facebook page here

#180: May Day in South Bend

In many other countries, Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st.  It's also considered International Workers Day, and some just consider a public day of partying.  (See Italy, where a all-day, free concert festival draws 300,000 in Rome.)  Although not recognized formally in the U.S., there are still celebrations held.

In South Bend, there is a Workers Memorial Service and May Day celebration at Howard Park, co-sponsored by United Way and the AFL-CIO.  At 1:30, the memorial service begins to commemorate 8 district laborers who lost their lives due to workplace hazards.  The keynote speaker is Nancy Guyott, the former IN Commissioner of Labor and current President of the IN State AFL-CIO.

Beginning at 12:30, there is a safety fair, including a "fire house" to train kids how to react to a fire and other interactive exhibits.  For the adult audience, what might draw you out includes live music by the Washington HS band and David James (also a laborer!), face painting, balloon artistry (yes, I'm a college graduate, and yes, I still enjoy both of those two activities) and free hot dogs and soda to the first 400 people. Students from ND and IUSB have partnered to re-enact the Haymarket affair, the 1891 strike in Chicago that culminated in a police riot at rally and the deaths of several protesters.

When: 12:30-4:00 pm
Where: Howard Park, near the river at the Workers Memorial
Website: Click here for a map and more information.

#176: Dyngus Day Preview

I've been staring at my computer for the past 10 minutes wondering what to write for this post. Not for lack of information mind you, but more for lack of clear instruction. We are "365 Things to Do in South Bend", but what exactly should I recommend that you do? For, as many of you reading this probably already know, Dyngus Day in South Bend is a particularly unique and important city tradition. So unique, in fact, that it almost defies explanation. I will, however, try my best. For those of you out there with more information and experience  (really all of you out there) please forgive any errors and send corrections/updated information/interesting facts our way!

Dyngus Day is the name given to the Monday after Easter. Easter Monday is celebrated most widely in Eastern Europe throughout Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. In those countries, it is alternately a courting ritual, a religious holiday, or a just a day for kids to pour water on each others heads. While our holiday here in South Bend originates from these traditions, the Northern Indiana version has turned political. Dyngus Day has been described as the "official beginning to the political primary season" and notable Indiana politicians as well as Robert F. Kennedy (in 1968) have turned up for the big day. And a big day it is. South Bend has even declared itself the Dyngus Day Capital of the World. Festivities are held all around town and feature appetites, both political and gastronomical. There's a rumor some start cooking the sauerkraut at 5:00am in the morning.

The celebrations continue all day at various restaurants, bars, and political meeting clubs so regardless of your political affiliation head out to one of those. Or you know what? Celebrate at home. Cook up some sausage and sauerkraut, put on some polka music, open up a friendly debate about local politics, and, well, that sounds like something to do on Dyngus Day in South Bend to me.