The monthly “Discover South Bend” series is back for a weekend of transportation themed events.
The city is promoting public transportation on Friday with Bus the Bend. Reduced fares will be offered until 8 pm on Friday with riders getting a chance to explore the city on buses. Tours of Transpo’s LEED-certified facility will be available. The event includes discounts at a number of South Bend businesses.
The transportation theme shifts to the South Bend International Airport on Saturday with tours of the new terminal and concourse. City vehicles will be on display including an electric car, a sewer-vacuum truck, a street sweeper, a dump truck, a front loader, and a compressed natural gas-powered trash truck. The airport will display an airfield maintenance truck and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle.
There will also be exhibits from Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) and the Hesston Steam Museum based in LaPorte.
Sunday kicks off with Bike the Bend, an annual 31 mile cycling event throughout South Bend and the surrounding area in St. Joseph County. Slide the City — a 1,000 foot long water slide — will also be on Sunday from 11 am until 6 pm.
Other events this weekend include white water rafting on the East Race during the day on Saturday from 12 to 5 pm and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Rafting costs $5 per person per ride.
The History Museum’s exhibit “On the Move: Transportation Through the Ages” displays history of transportation in Michiana. The Museum is open 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, and noon to 5 pm Sunday. Cost is $8-$5 and free for members and ages 5 and younger.
“Discover South Bend” is part of a yearlong celebration of South Bend’s 150th anniversary. More information can be found at http://sb150.com/calendar/discover-south-bend-transportation.