Downtown Day set for this week

Feb. 28—Tournaments and competitions abound this Friday in downtown Goshen.

March's First Friday theme, this week, is Downtown Day Tournament, featuring family-friendly activities and the start of a month-long Goshen events-themed March Madness contest.

The bracket-style competition begins March 1, allowing Goshenites to pick their best day ever between eight options.

Options are:

GIVE BACK DAY — Support the good work of places like the Cora Dale House, The Window, The Post Youth Center, and the Goshen City Church of the Brethren by voting for Give Back Day (and, perhaps, making a helpful donation). Don't forget the convenience of Maple City Market's co-op, The Green Bee's zero waste shop and re-fillery, and the environmentally-friendly reuse approach of ReFind Consignment.

COZY DAY — Everyone is in Downtown Goshen and heading to Electric Brew or JoJo's Pretzels for a morning pick-me-up/ After that, it's time to hit Soapy Gnome or Hive of Light for self-care supplies and then on to Fables Books for a good read to cuddle up with. Don't forget to grab some comfortable clothes from I M SHE and footwear from Woldruff's!

ARTS DAY — Start the day at Found in search of art pieces from all over the world, buy some work to hang on your wall from the wonderful artists of ADEC, and get up-to-date with upcoming events at the Goshen Theater, Art House, and Phoenix Performing Arts. Maybe even buy tickets in support of some local venues. End Arts Day with an artfully-crafted cocktail at Common Spirits.

TREAT YOURSELF DAY — Treat Yourself Day will be just how it sounds — a day dedicated to numero uno. Hit up Salon J, T's New You, or The MAC Boutique for an updated and exclusive new look, skip over to Golden Thread Tattoo Parlor for some fresh ink, or head over to Tropicana Ice Cream Shop to treat yourself to something sweet; and finish up at Menno Travel by booking a dream vacay.

ADULTING DAY — Check in at Cornerstone Financial Solutions and Eyedart Creative Studio to find out how they can help your local business or organization fire on all cylinders; drop in at Cressy and Everett, Model Real Estate, or John Hall True Value Hardware to sell, upgrade, or improve your home; find a new office space at the Exchange Business Suites; level up with a new suit or business workwear from Snyder's Men's Shop; improve your environmental awareness with a consultation from BCA Environmental Consultants.

ACTIVITY DAY — Start with a daytime trip to Lincoln Avenue Cycling for a fast and fun bike to get you where the action is; book a fab party or event at the Maple City Event and Conference Center; discover the joy of yelling "Bingo!" at the Elks Lodge; pick up some hunting gear at ZX Gun; and wind down Activity Day with some darts at Elephant Bar and some pool with friends at Constant Spring!

TOURIST DAY — Visit The Goshen News and Goshen Historical Society to learn all about the Maple City's history, and check out some of Goshen's favorite places like Venturi pizzeria and Goshen Brewing Company. Stop in to the Goshen Chamber of Commerce to find out what makes Goshen tick, and book a stay at the historic Inn on South Fifth. You don't need a fanny pack or white socks with dark sandals to experience Goshen like a tourist.

FOODIE DAY — Foodie Day in Goshen might entail a visit to the South Side Soda Shop for a Philly Cheesesteak and a Green River drink, and if that's not your cup of tea — check out the great recipes at Goshen-based Miller Poultry; try the garlic naan and a mango lassi at Maple Indian Cuisine; experience the handmade chocolates at The Nut Shoppe and (happily) familiarize yourself with a Windy City batch at Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn; and witness what Wiener Shack can do to class up your average hot dog! And don't forget to try the pepperonata dip at the Table @ 108.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.