By Paula Pyzik Scott

Downtown Bluffton has a new weekly attraction that grew out of event closures on Vine Street. The one-block, one-way stretch off Main St. now closes from 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. The closure is scheduled through August.

Games and convertible bench-tables are installed each weekend to give Bluffton residents and visitors another place to linger, chat with friends and play with family. Current games are giant jenga, outdoor dominoes, outdoor yahtzee, toy axe-throwing, corn hole and giant connect four.

At 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays the space is also used by Jazzercize Bluffton, which offers a free workout on Saturdays in the summer.

The Weekends of Vine project is a collaboration of Liz Gordon-Hancock, owner of the Boehr Block, Jonah Agner of Greenhorn restaurant and Jim Enneking, director of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce. The three developed the concept and consulted with the Village’s Streets and Alley committee to shape the concept that was approved by council.

Other contributors are Bob Beer, who made the planter boxes and sign printing by Masterpiece Signs & Graphics. Current bench sponsors are CCR Realty of Bluffton and Jacomet's Martial Arts.

The project is the latest in a series of Village and business investments in downtown beautification and space making:

- Gazebo for public use at Bluffton Presbyterian

- Permitted sidewalk cafes at Wine Lounge 1861, Greenhorn and Twisted Whisk Cafe

- "Pocket park" alley makeover next to Bluffton Presbyterian

- “Pocket park” alley makeover next to Edward Jones financial advisor Ryan Demarco’s office on N. Main

- Roots by Strattons alley with outdoor product displays and seasonal decorations on S. Main

- Mayor's garden with path at Town Hall, a project of Bluffton in Bloom

- Covered, all-season and outdoor dining at Kira’s Flipside Grill

- Bicycle parking throughout downtown; a project of Allen County Healthy Communities and Bluffton Lions Club Foundation with support from Masterpiece Signs & Graphics and Patriot Concrete

- Main Street flower pots and hay racks, a project of Bluffton in Bloom and Stratton Greenhouses

- American flag display, a project of SHANNON Service Club and the Bluffton American Legion Post 382

- Benches on Main St.