DTSB hosts St. Patrick's Day themed First Friday

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--- With many of the city's traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations canceled due to COVID, Downtown South Bend held a "Sham Rock 'n' Roll" themed celebration for it's March First Friday. Business in the area held St. Patrick's Day themed specials and deals in honor of the celebration.

"Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Paddy Party and Pub Tour and our St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year so we decided to have an early St. Patrick’s Day event in Downtown South Bend," said Kylie Carter, Marketing and Events Director for Downtown South Bend.

Local restaurants and businesses say they're grateful for the celebration even if it comes earlier and with less people than in years past.

"It’s nice to still see people come out for First Fridays and still dine," said Casey Dvorak, LaSalle Grill's general manager. "Those have always been good nights for us down town and those are the kinds of things to help local businesses survive."

Organizers say Friday's celebration, along with the continuation of First Friday events, have been vital to keeping businesses afloat despite the pandemic.

"We are still aware that the public needs events and things to do so we have modified what we usually do to be scaled down, safe fun experiences for the community," said Carter.

Business leaders say they're hoping that next year's celebration looks a little more like normal.

"It is nice to see kind of a turn in the business and light at the end of the tunnel," said Dvorak.