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PLUS: Notre Dame *finally* names a starting QB, dog days in the sculpture park, and more.

Happy Friday! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.

In today’s digest:

  • The Farmers Market Trail: Mom’s Kieflies ☕️

  • Inside Out 2 🤩 

  • City Center Palace Restoration 🏰 

  • Porch - A - Palooza 💚 💜 

This issue is 1,346 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

The Farmers Market Trail: Mom’s Kieflies 🥐 

This week’s journey is taking us to Mom’s Kieflies!

About: “We are a mother-daughter duo bringing back her mom’s keiflie recipe and tradition. During the 2014 holiday season, I came across a neighbor’s Facebook post asking if anyone knew where to get good kieflies. I remembered that when I was younger, the women in my family would have baking sessions to make kieflies. Since grandma had passed, my mom had inherited the recipe but the tradition of baking together was gone. After talking with my mom, we decided to restart the tradition and fulfill the need for my neighbor. Well, word spread that they were very good which resulted in many more requests. I looked at my mom and we agreed that we’ve got to give the people what they want.“

What’s Worth Trying:

  • KIEFLIES

📍Where to find in the market: Mom’s Kieflies is located on the South Side of the building near the center.

Win a Brand-New Electric Lawn Mower!*

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is giving away 24 EGO Power+ electric mowers - one in each of their 24 agency areas across Indiana. Each self-propelled mower (ARV $499) comes with a powerful brushless motor and an advanced Gator Blade, so you’ll get a clean, precise cut every time. It’s quick, free, and open until August 31st. Imagine rolling out a fresh-cut lawn with no gas, no cords, and no noise complaints. Sign up today! Ends August 31st

You know it's summer when the lawn needs to be mowed every week. Enter for a chance to start mowing your lawn in style!

*Must be a legal resident of Indiana and at least 18 years old at the time of entry.

INRUGCO: One of Mishawaka’s Best-Kept Secrets*

Voted “One of the Best Places to Shop in Mishawaka”, InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop isn’t just about rugs — it’s a cozy, old-school mercantile tucked near the Mishawaka Riverwalk, right across from Central Park.

Each week, we’re highlighting one of our favorite finds:

South Bend Magnet — Check out this fun magnet of this stunning piece of South Bend History → “In 1922, two prominent South Bend residents, C.E. Young and Jacob Handelsman, published a promotional pamphlet about the city's realized progress and potential for more.

The pamphlet's cover boasted advancements in science, commercial, industrial, finance, and transportation industries and depicted a glimpse of Washington Avenue outside of the Oliver Hotel and JMS Building.”

From local gifts inspired by Mishawaka, Michiana, and the Midwest, to just plain good customer service — INRUGCO is the kind of shop you walk into once and never forget.

See this week’s pick: HERE
Or explore the shop: https://indianarugco.com

 The Happenings in the Bend

💜 Porch-A-Palooza

Purple Porch is hosting their annual porch-a-palooza once again.

For the 5th year in a row, Purple Porch will be hosting their annual end-of-summer party. Enjoy the farmers market, drinks, food, music, and so much fun!

About Purple Porch: “We love growing relationships close to home. Sprouted from the concept of connecting farmers with local consumers, Purple Porch Food Co-op hasn't forgotten its roots. Our LOCAL suppliers, vendors, farmers, and makers are located within a 1-hour drive or so of our store (60 miles). Our REGIONAL Midwest-based suppliers are designated as those within 300 miles of our front door. We strive to give preference to such vendors, in terms of retail space on our shelves, a special place in our hearts, and vendor spots at our weekly Farmer's Market. The Porch values supporting local entrepreneurs who are passionate and driven to contribute to our community. Our health - economically, nutritionally, and relationally - is made so much richer through these local collaborations.”

🎟️ The movie will start at 6:30 pm. Tickets here!

🏃‍♀️ Take Me Out to the Ball Game… For the Mayor’s Pitch!

Mayor James Mueller is throwing out the first pitch of today’s game as part of the city’s year-long celebration of 160 years! Grab your tickets because you won’t want to miss this game…

Did I mention there’s fireworks?

And while you’re at it… Try the newest restaurant right outside the box office, La Esperanza

🎟️ Tickets

More events in South Bend

A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!

 🐶 Bark in the Park: Grab your furry friend and head to the Sculpture Park at Notre Dame next Tuesday from 6 - 8 pm!. Details

🌵 A Cactus That Won’t Die: Join this Make South Bend class and grow (create) a plant that will never die! Details

📕 Grown Up Book Fair: Ironhand Wine Bar is hosting an adult book fair! Enjoy a glass of wine while you peruse their selection! Details

🎭 Velocity Of Autumn: The South Bend Civic Theatre’s newest performance has two shows left. Grab your Tickets before they’re gone!

 😂 New Headliners at The Drop ⬇️ Comedy Club: The Drop is bringing in some exciting new talent. Check them out this week → Details

 🎺 Merry Men at the Raclin! Merrimans Playhouse will be performing in the Raclin Museum at Notre Dame this week! Check out the → Details

 🐎 Michiana Renaissance Festival: Head on over to the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds this weekend for the annual Renaissance Festival! Details

 🎸 Tyler Hubbard at Four Winds Field: Tyler Hubbard is coming to South Bend! Grab your Tickets now before they’re gone!

🖼️ Homecoming - Walter Osborne’s Portrait of Dublin: This month, Raclin Murphy opens a highly anticipated and intentionally curated exhibit from Walter Osborne, an incredible artist bringing Ireland to Irish Country.  Details 

🎞️ Inside Out 2: Head on over to Downtown South Bend this Friday to watch Inside Out 2 on the Gridiron. Details

Coming soon

🧛 Vampire Circus: A fusion of Cirque du Soleil and Tim Burton, this show is sure to be an incredible experience and performance! Details

🍂 Fall Youth Club: The first Saturday, September - November, Howard Park will have all kinds of fun fall activities for all ages!  Details

🦒 Notre Dame vs Texas A&M: Grab your tickets for the first home game of the season! Tickets

👻 Boo To You @ Indiana University - South Bend: IU South Bend’s ‘Boo To You’ festival (Oct. 11, 4–8 pm, Student Activities Center) is back with carnival games, candy, crafts, and a Monster Mash dance—fun for the whole family! Details

💙 Logan Walk and Roll: Lace up for inclusion! The 2025 LOGAN Walk & Roll takes over the Potawatomi Zoo on Saturday, September 6—featuring a 1-mile accessible walk, breakfast, and a Family Fun Fest emceed by U93’s Big Perm. Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

🏰 City Center Palace RESTORED: The City Center Palace on Michigan is undergoing restoration! It may even feel like you’re in Chicago when you walk under the construction 😉 🚧  Details

🎨 Notre Dame Starting QB…Who Could It Be? Notre Dame finally has a starting QB in time for next weeks game… wishing all the best luck to CJ Carr!  Details

❓Where do you think the best wings are? This Reddit user is looking for the best wings in South Bend. Add your thoughts to the thread ➡️ Details

Happy Friday! See you around the Bend!

Congrats! You made it to the end of the newsletter! I don’t have a prize I can hand out, but! Send me an email telling me about your favorite event this week!

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