Downtown for a Pint brings music, students to Mount Pleasant's streets
Downtown Mount Pleasant was full of students enjoying live music, raffles and rock climbing Thursday.
Alpha Kappa Psi, a coed professional business fraternity, presented the second Downtown for a Pint 5 p.m. The U.S. Army, a co-host and sponsor of the event, also provided a rock climbing wall and free novelties.
The event’s proceeds benefited the CMU chapter of the American Red Cross Society. The festivities were also carried out in hopes of bringing attention to local businesses.
“Some businesses are legendary and students don’t know about them,” said LeRoy sophomore Wayne Blanchard, member of Alpha Kappa Psi and main coordinator of the event.
Matt Brzezinski, manager of Pisanello’s Pizza, 110 N. Main St., said the best part for everyone was to be downtown with live music and food in a safe environment.
“It brings in revenue for us and other businesses around here,” he said. “We had to bring in extra workers.”
Bass player of Jetpack On!, Nick D’Agostino, said he was excited to play after seeing the success of the performers last year.
“We had to play in the Battle of the Bands to get the time slot,” the Commerce Township senior said.
The Muggs, Mick Bassett and the Marthas, Lightning Love! and the Satin Peaches were among the other bands that played.
“My favorite part was seeing Jetpack On! while it’s nice out,” said Beal City senior Megan Millard.
Derek Rifenbury, a Florida junior, said he also enjoyed watching Jetpack On! perform.
“I heard about Jetpack On! on 91.5 (WMHW) and I wanted to hear them play,” he said.
Rifenbury said this was his first year at the festival and he will definitely come next year.
Last year, about 600 people attended, which Blanchard said was a big accomplishment.
The live music was the main incentive for students, Blanchard said. It also let students take a break from school.
He encouraged students who didn’t come out this year to be there next year.
“There’s not that much diversity in entertainment in Mount Pleasant,” Blanchard said. “It’s a great way to support business and with also a charitable side to it.”
