South Bend hosts day of outdoor events

The rain held off long enough Sunday thousands of families to get outdoors in South Bend.

They enjoyed both new and traditional events in the city.

It started in the morning with the 6th annual Bike the Bend.

Dozens gathered to ride through the 30 mile course.

“Everybody can ride. All ages. All skill levels,” Jeanne Blad, executive director of Bike the Bend, said. 

The fun continued with Slide the City, new to South Bend.

“It's slip in slide in your backyard magnified by 20,” participant Victoria Elia said. 

Those craving deeper waves took on river rafting at the East Race. 

“It's a really nice course. It's pretty simple but pushy enough that there is a lot there and a lot to play with,” kayaker Joe Goodwin said. 

After storms threatened to pour down on the weekend's events, mother nature ended up cooperating.

 “We were nervous it was going to rain or thunderstorm, but right now we have beautiful weather,” Meredith Dalenburg, event director of Slide the City, said.

As the day wrapped up, thousands had turned out to ride,  boat, climb and slide their ways through the city.