With recent development in downtown Mishawaka, Stacy Vervynckt, president of the Mishawaka Business Association, and InRugCo Studio and Gift Shop owner Pam Richardes started to think what a community-driven event would look like.

The idea initially had come before the pandemic, as developments such as The Mill at Ironworks Plaza was completed and businesses such as Chicory Cafe and Jesus Latin Grill and Tequila Bar opened, and was inspired by neighboring community events like First Fridays and Second Saturdays.

But, like many things, plans were delayed in 2020 as the pandemic halted any events,  but the seed for the idea was still there. As concerns have relaxed and people are getting out more, the duo revisited the idea and decided maybe now is the time to get it restarted.

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"Over that (COVID) period, we had more businesses come to the downtown, more restaurants open and more people moving into the downtown,"  Vervynckt said. "… I don't know if people realize how much new development we have down there. … There's been a lot going on in the last couple of years and people have really stepped up and we're getting more businesses. It's just pretty exciting. It's nice to have something to look forward to and, hopefully, some people will find some new businesses and new shops and restaurants they didn't even realize were here."

Richardes tapped her children Lindsay Vest and Clark Richardes to form a committee, and, after about six months of planning, Mishawaka will soon hold its first Third Thursday in the Mish event driven by local business.

“Obviously, coming from (downtown South Bend), we love what they do, we respect what they do, which is why we would never have chosen a First Friday,” Vest said. “We want those events to coexist, like you come to third Thursdays in Mishawaka, but then you can go to First Fridays in downtown Goshen or South Bend. The more vibrant all of our communities are, the better it is for everybody that lives here.”

On June 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., attendees to the Third Thursday event can walk along the river walk from Central Park to Kamm Island and stop at nine participating local businesses that will offer food, drink and event specials during the event.

Musicians will be placed around the walkway and other activities, such as an ice cream cone challenge where chalk artists will draw ice cream cones throughout the walk and at other business. Those who find all the cones will win a prize.

“It’s not just for adults, but not just for kids, so it’s really encompassing for everybody,” Vest said. “And I think now is the time because so many businesses … are struggling as far as trying to find help and feeling just overwhelmed. So we thought this is a good way for us to band together and show our strength as small businesses and what we can do in the community when we work together.”

Participating businesses so far include Doc Pierce's, The Chicory Cafe, Fanellos, Hacienda at the 100 Center, Vinyl Tap and Table, Scoobies, and InRugCo Studio and Gift Shop. With this month’s theme of "Hot Fun in the Summer Time," businesses will offer specials and events that go along with the beachtime vibe.

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For Doc Piece’s owner Pat Tassel, the event is a welcome opportunity to introduce customers on what is typically a slower night for the restaurant.

“I think it's a great idea,” Tassel said. “It's just another activity in downtown Mishawaka that people could come down to do, and Thursday is a good day.”

More information, including deals and discounts, can be found online at www.facebook.com/thirdthursdaysmish. Other local businesses interested in participating can contact organizers directly at events@indianarugco.com.

Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Local Mishawaka businesses kick off Third Thursday in the Mish