Local events returning with fewer restrictions

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.--- As COVID numbers continue to plummet cross Michiana, many events across St. Joseph County are returning with fewer restrictions. Downtown South Bend's First Friday, for example, is happening with out a cap on how many people can enjoy.

"We are following CDC guidelines and recommending that if you’re are vaccinated to go without one so that makes it a lot nicer we don’t have our maximum attendance restrictions and all that," said Kylie Carter, Executive Director of Marketing and Events for Downtown South Bend. 

Although First Fridays continued to go on throughout the pandemic, organizers are thrilled to be able to have the festivities without many restrictions for vaccinated people.

Over in Mishawaka, Mishawaka Parks & Recreation has kicked off its Summer Concert Series with the first Thursday show happening at Central Park. 

"I’ve been coming out since they’ve been having it but with the pandemic they didn’t have them so I was checking out on Facebook when they’re going to have them," said Ofelia Smith, who lives in Mishawaka. "It’s very exciting, it’s a little bit normal, not exactly normal. Outside is a little bit better than inside but yeah it’s great."

First Friday is free to the public and starts at 5:00 p.m. with many of the events happening near Studebaker Plaza. For more information, click here.