SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The 7th Annual On the River event benefiting the Center for the Homeless kicks off this Friday.

Volunteers have spent the week setting up tiki huts, surf boards, and sand, creating a full beach effect in the middle of Downtown South Bend.

The 2-day event is to raise money for the Center for the Homeless.

“On the River is a huge part of our budget. On the River has turned into our second largest fundraiser for our $3.1 million budget,” said Emily Sims, Director of Events at the Center for the Homeless.

The center raised more than $95,000 last year.

There will be music, sports, and fireworks.

Organizers expect to see over 5,000 people this weekend.

“We try to make it bigger and better every year so we’re constantly adding a few new things. I’ll keep some of them as a surprise but one of the big ones is the new VIP party deck, should add a nice little touch to the event,” said Garrett Gingerich of the Young Professionals Against Poverty.

On the River starts Friday, August 1st with Teen Night from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 2nd is Family Day from 10 to 2 in the afternoon.

The 21+ Beach Bash starts Saturday at 3 and ends at 11 p.m.