Downtown South Bend Goes to the Dogs on Friday, August 3
August 2, 2012 — Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB) is partnering with PetsConnect! for the third year to commemorate the Dog Days of Summer on Friday, August 3 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in downtown South Bend. The entire family, “Fido” included, is invited to participate in the fun. Dine al fresco at one of the restaurants “going to the dogs” for the evening, then head to the College Football Hall of Fame gridiron to test your pooch’s skill on the fun agility course, participate in the “All Paws In” games, watch the Frisbee dogs perform, take part in the Sniff and Hunt Scavenger Game around town and much more.
The biggest adoption event of the year will take place in Rescue Alley just west of the gridiron. Rescue Alley will feature an abundance of canines available for adoption from local animal rescues and shelters. Adopt on the spot and give a precious pooch a new loving home.
At 7:00 p.m., PetsConnect! foster dogs accompanied by human models will steal the show on the gridiron in the Second Chance Fashion Show, hosted by WSBT’s Colleen Ferreira. Event attendees who bring their dog in costume are encouraged to sign up from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the PetsConnect! information booth to be added to the show.
The Sniff and Hunt scavenger game takes dogs and their owners on a fun adventure throughout downtown. Register between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the PetsConnect! booth near the gridiron for $10 to receive a Sniff and Hunt card. Sniff your way around downtown collecting stickers for the game card and treats for both owners and pets. Complete the game to be entered in a drawing to receive gifts from downtown South Bend merchants.
Dogs are invited to hop aboard the Happy Tails Wagon Rides with their human companions for a free horse drawn wagon ride around downtown from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. courtesy of DTSB and PetsConnect! Rides can be picked up in front of the South Bend Chocolate Café and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Do you have an ugly canine? Enter him/her in the Ugliest Dog Contest hosted by Ugly Dog Media for free. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. Registration for the contest is under the State Theatre marquee.
The South Bend Museum of Art will have an array of ceramic pet bowls for sale ready for you to custom glaze. Fido is welcome to join in the fun. He can walk up to the dog bar for a refreshing treat and Janet Graham of {photo}grahams will offer artful pet photography on the spot. These activities take place from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Leashed dogs are welcome to mingle inside Made In Michiana at 122 S. Michigan Street. World Famous Shop Dog, Petey, is happy to debut his dessert topping featuring his photograph and made special for humans. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the peanut butter chocolate fudge will be donated to South Bend Animal Care & Control. Petey also wants shoppers to check out the Paws for a Cure Art Station, enjoy music by Ron Wiggins Jazz Quartet and learn more about becoming a Petey Pack Member.
Once everyone has worked up an appetite, there are options for palettes of all types. From fine dining to casual, dine al fresco at: Bruno’s Pizza, 713 E. Jefferson Blvd.; Café Navarre, 101 N. Michigan St.; Chicory Café, 105 East Jefferson Blvd.; Fiddler’s Hearth, 127 North Main St.; Jimmy John’s, 138 S. Michigan St.; LaSalle Grill’s Urban Patio, 115 West Colfax Ave.; Agave53/Sangrias Wine Bar, 123 North Michigan St.; South Bend Chocolate Café, 122South Michigan St.; Smiley Dogs, corner of Jefferson Blvd. and South Michigan St.
There is plenty to do during First Fridays without a canine companion. Beat the heat of the dog days of summer and step into one of the many local shops, galleries, and restaurants. The East Bank Village has many unique places waiting to be discovered. Junk Evolution, 528 East Colfax Ave., will showcase two African styles: Modern-Tribal and Vintage-Safari. Junk Evolution debuts all new products each month during First Fridays. Marigolds Uncommon Home & Garden, 722 East Jefferson Blvd., is counting down the final days of summer and offering 40% off all clocks in stock.
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 900 W. Western Avenue, invites the public to cool off at their spectacular indoor water park. Take a dip in the pool, cruise down the lazy river and slip down the slide for just $3.00 per person.
Follow the signs to the free Clean It or Breathe It Health Fair at Leighton Plaza from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Activities include hands-on demonstrations, the HealthWorks! Hummer, and information and resources on asthma, breathing difficulties, healthy homes and other health issues. Presented by the Asthma Task Force of St. Joseph County.
The First Fridays Cruise-In classic car show returns on Michigan Street between Wayne and Western with a variety of classics on display from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Be engrossed in the heart of historical downtown with “Then & Now: A Downtown South Bend Architecture Walking Tour”. The hour and a half guided tour begins at 7:00 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Michigan, highlights over 20 historical buildings, and is just $2 per person. Reservations are requested. Call 574.282.1110 or email rfallon@downtownsouthbend.com to reserve a spot in this unforgettable lesson in history.
Free TRANSPO trolley rides allow for easy movement throughout all activities on the east and west sides of the river. The trolley stops approximately every 15 minutes at marked locations.
The Bueno Brothers will fill the air with a danceable Latin rhythm from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. during the First Friday KeyBank Concert Series. This free concert takes place at the corner of South Michigan Street and Jefferson Boulevard. In the event of rain, the concert will take place in Wild Style Wings, 123 W. Washington Street.
Stop by a First Fridays Friend Post to register to win one of two prizes: a jar of Petey’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge dessert topping, made special by Season’s Harvest in honor of Made In Michiana’s World Famous Shop Dog, Petey, or a gift certificate to Smiley Dogs. Friend posts are staffed with friendly faces that can answer any questions about First Fridays activities. Friend Posts are located at KeyBank Plaza and the St. Joseph County Public Library Friends of the Library Book Sale building from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
For a complete listing of First Fridays activities and participating downtown businesses visit www.dtsbFirstFridays.com.
First Fridays Downtown South Bend features over 40 participating businesses and takes place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Participating businesses remain open or host special events such as live music, sidewalk cafés, demonstrations, celebrations, receptions and special offerings. Most events are free or at a reduced rate. Future 2012 First Fridays dates are September 7, October 5, November 2, and December 7.
