A grant awarded to Elkhart’s Greenleaf Condominiums is helping the residential community plan a music event along the upper St. Joseph River.
The funding comes from the Vibrant Communities Block Grant program. The program supports residents in creating positive change throughout Elkhart County.
Music on the River will take place 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 27. Local band Q sonics will perform. Event organizers hope to bring residents together from Greenleaf Boulevard and the surrounding riverfront neighborhoods through music, dancing and a welcoming atmosphere.
“Elkhart has long been known as a Music Capital of the World, and there have been neighborhood music gatherings along this stretch of the upper St. Joseph River for more than 15 years,” said Nancy Nicholas, Greenleaf Condominiums social chair, in a press release. “It’s sort of a tradition for river community folks up this way to get in their boats, follow the sounds of music and just dock wherever the music is to join with neighbors and enjoy the party. Music on the River is an extension of that local theme.”
Residents of Greenleaf Condominiums and the surrounding Upper St. Joseph River area are invited to the event. Nicholas anticipates the event will draw about 100 guests and dozens of boats will anchor near the event on Greenleaf’s east lawn. Greenleaf residents plan to adorn their balconies with lights and buntings.
“Folks will be driving down Beardsley Avenue and saying to themselves, ‘Oh man, something cool is going on over there,’” Nicholas said.
Vibrant Communities Block Grant funding encourages community ideas and allows residents to take the lead in revitalizing Elkhart County’s neighborhoods. Submissions are welcome for small projects such as block parties and tree plantings. Residents are also encouraged to apply for substantial proposals like new public seating areas and community events.
“Music on the River is going to bring a lot of people together in Elkhart for a great time,” Jon Hunsberger, Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director, said. “It's inspiring to see the folks at Greenleaf work hard to improve their community and unite with their surrounding neighborhoods. We are happy to support great projects like this, and we encourage all residents of Elkhart County to put their ideas down and apply for a Block Grant.”
