Local bars anticipate crowds for 'Blackout Wednesday' festivities

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Some South Bend bars prepared for an influx of customers Wednesday night, as folks celebrate one of the biggest 'going out' nights of the year, the unofficial holiday dubbed "Blackout Wednesday."

It's not just a tradition locally, but really across the country.

It's the night that people coming back home for Thanksgiving get to see their hometown friends and celebrate.

"Everyone who's been in a restaurant or a bar before on Blackout Wednesday knows what it entails," says Caitlyn Crowles, General Manager at The Garage Arcade Bar.

It's an exciting night for bar managers like Rick Ruszkowski as well, who see a mix-up of the normal crowd.

"A lot of the students from other schools that live in the area like IU, Purdue, outside of here, gives them a chance to attend and make it there's," says Operating Manager at Finnies Next Door, Rick Ruszkowski.

While of course the drink deals are enticing for onlooking bar-hoppers. . .

"We've got five-dollar Truly's, Happy Thursdays," Cowles shares.

Safety remains the number one priority.

These bar managers echo the same warning from law enforcement, if your plan is to barhop, don't get behind the wheel.

"I would recommend getting an Uber as opposed to a DUI, that sounds like the cheaper option," Cowles says.

"I usually stand out front and try to ensure along with the rest of the staff that people get out good, get home safe, and get to enjoy the holiday," says Ruszkowski. "We all have something to be thankful for."

However, the golden Blackout Wednesday rule stays the same.

"Don't get too hungover in front of your families tomorrow," laughs Cowles.

The Saint Joseph County Police Department always recommends establishing a designated driver before you hit the bars, using Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to get you home safely, and if you are driving a friend home, take is slow and be extra cautious on the roads.