South Bend celebrates 150 years as a city

South Bend held their first First Friday of the new year Friday night, and it was a chance to celebrate South Bend's 150th year as a city.  

Officials said the event wasn't just about a birthday celebration, but a time to look back at where South Bend has been as a city, and where they want to go in the future. 

Aaron Perri, the chairman of SB150 says the city has had its ups and downs, but now, more than ever, it's experiencing a sort of renaissance, and trying to recapture some of what downtown lost in years past.  

"In terms of industry that's opening up out here, new businesses, new restaurants, new arts and entertainment," says Perri.  

The city of South Bend will be holding monthly events all year long to celebrate the city's birthday.