Pickleball and cornhole tournaments will be featured at “The Goshen Games” during First Fridays on Friday, Aug. 4, in downtown Goshen. Photo provided by Downtown Goshen Inc.

News Release

GOSHEN — Downtown Goshen Inc. is shifting into sporting and spectating mode for August First Fridays with the spectacle of “The Goshen Games” from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. The Goshen Games will present a smorgasbord of First Fridays activities, festivities and promotions in support of and in addition to the main events: concurrent cornhole and pickleball tournaments right in the heart of downtown Goshen.

The First Fridays volunteer coaching staff will teach the basics of both games to anyone who wants to learn. Participating retailers will offer specials on performance gear and apparel, including outdoor activity items, athleisure, shoes, and sports and spectator apparel, and an assortment of food trucks will be on hand.

The First Fridays beer and cider garden will be outdoors, and select restaurants will feature menu items highlighting, in honor of the games, pickles and corn. The Goshen Games will also feature entertainment, demonstrations, and activities for kids, including giant cornhole, lawn games and face-painting, and participating businesses will offer in-store events and promotions.

“Cornhole and pickleball are really popular around here and there are so many players and enthusiasts in the area,” said Amanda McMahon, director of First Fridays. “The teams participating in The Goshen Games are good — it’s not just about coming up with the most clever team names, although that’s always interesting — and there’s always high drama for this friendly but competitive event. It’s another unique and fun way to bring our community together; it’s not every day you can come downtown as a spectator and root and cheer for your friends, or family, or your next door neighbor. The Goshen Games promotes unity, teamwork, physical activity and health, learning and sportsmanship. And just like every First Fridays, it’s great family fun and showcases so much of the good that Goshen has to offer.”

As part of the event, and in the spirit of action, Axes & Antics, Goshen and Elkhart County’s only axe-throwing entertainment outfit, will provide an axe-throwing booth downtown, and GoDance Studio, 113 E. Lincoln Ave., will offer a free 30-minute cardio dance class at 7 p.m. The Green Bee, 108 W. Washington, will present a painted stone scavenger hunt for adventurers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will offer 30% off its painted stones and pebble art. At 123 S. Third St., 123 Mercantile will offer with every purchase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. a chance to enter and win two South Bend Cubs tickets, and Ignition Music Garage, 120 E. Washington St., will feature its own homage to The Goshen Games with checkout trivia, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for a chance at discounted purchases.

Goshen City Hall, 202 S. Fifth St., will present an electric vehicle display and information area from 5:30-8 p.m. Fables Books, 215 S. Main St., will host a “Meet the Authors” event from 6-8 p.m. and a kids bookmark craft, sponsored by Triple P and HEA, from 5-7 p.m. The Imagination Spot, 111 E. Washington St., will offer a paddle ball game crafting session for kids from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Goshen City Church of the Brethren, 203 N. Fifth St., will present a high-energy, vintage rock tribute by Quentin Flagg live on the lawn (weather permitting) at 5:30 p.m.

Find full event details for August First Fridays at downtowngoshen.org.