Crowds watch Steve Adler perform at the Lucerne Park amphitheater.

Text and Photos
By Libby Hubbard
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Downtown Warsaw came alive Friday night, June 20, as the city launched its second Third Friday event of the 2025 season, alongside the annual Rockin’ for Riley concert, combining live music, themed activities, and charitable giving into a vibrant summer evening.

The event, held from 5 to 8 p.m., marked the beginning of a summer tradition that brings local businesses, musicians, and families together each month for themed festivities.

This month’s event focused on community wellness, with proceeds benefiting a cause close to home.

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana Beneficiary of June Event

From left, Audry Mumma, director of communications; Emma Vega, client advocate; Hayley Barnfield, events coordinator; and Stacy Stumpf, director of development and marketing, represent Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana during the First Friday event in downtown.

June’s Third Friday supported Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, a nonprofit dedicated to providing emotional, financial, and practical support to individuals battling cancer across 11 counties, including Kosciusko.

Proceeds from vendor fees, donation stations, and sponsored activities throughout the downtown district will help the organization continue offering critical services such as transportation to treatments, medical equipment loans, and professional counseling.

Volunteers were present during the event, sharing stories of impact and encouraging attendees to learn more about local cancer support resources.

Rockin’ For Riley Returns With Free Concert At Central Park

Steve Adler performs during the Rockin’ for Riley concert.

The highlight of the evening was the return of the Rockin’ for Riley concert series at the Central Park Plaza, hosted by the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department.

The night’s free live music drew Northern Indiana residents to the City’s lawn and amphitheater area.

The band Recess of Cleveland, Ohio, opened the show at 6:30 p.m., followed by Steve Adler — original drummer of Guns N’ Roses — whose performance lit up the summer stage with nostalgic rock hits and a powerful message of giving back.

Through Rockin’ for Riley, 100% of the evening’s donations were split evenly between two causes: local support for Kosciusko County families with children receiving treatment at Riley Children’s Hospital, and hospital-based programs like music and art therapy for pediatric patients receiving treatments in Indianapolis.

Kristine Alderfer and her daughter, “Riley Kid” Katherine Alderfer, pose together during the Rockin’ for Riley concert.

Kristine Alderfer, mother to the founding family of the Rockin’ for Riley event, whose daughter Katherine is a “Riley Kid,” expressed her gratitude for the concertgoers.

“This concert series means so much to families. The funds help cover gas, hotel stays, and meals during hospital visits,” Alderfer continued, “The support for Riley’s in-house programs is something we’ve seen transform lives.”

Volunteers Power Future Third Fridays

As families enjoyed dancing, games, and vendor booths, city leaders and volunteers highlighted the importance of community participation in making the Third Friday series successful.

Warsaw’s Third Fridays will return monthly through September, each with a new theme, nonprofit partner, and entertainment lineup.

Organizers seek volunteers to assist with setup, hospitality, and activity coordination at future events.

Volunteers can contact the Warsaw Community Development Corporation or visit the Downtown Warsaw website for more information.