7 ways South Bend Fusion Fest 2024 aims to be a safe, fun place for all
SOUTH BEND — The second annual Fusion Fest, held at Howard Park, aims for a safe, welcoming, fun-filled weekend for the community.
The city is excited to celebrate the community’s rich diversity, with safety of the upmost importance, South Bend Mayor James Mueller said Sept. 12 as the beginning stages of setting up Fusion Fest at Howard Park were taking place.
Fusion Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Admission is free.
South Bend At-large councilwoman Rachel Tomas Morgan said, "As an immigrant myself, I know we don't have to be a country who fears difference in our neighbors. … Fusion Fest is an opportunity for us to celebrate difference and to celebrate the richness of ethnicity, cultures and people who call South Bend home."
Safety
During Fusion Fest 2023, long lines formed to enter the event through security, city spokeswoman Allison Zeithammer said. For 2024, magnetometers will be placed at the same locations as last year, East Wayne Street and East Jefferson Boulevard, which can be viewed on an interactive map. The city requests that attendees bring clear bags, although they are not mandatory, for faster entry. Any size is acceptable. As of noon Sept. 12, free Fusion Fest clear bags remained available for pick up at the Howard Park Event Center.
South Bend Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski asked the community to "leave the drama wherever it is." On Sept 9, 2023, around 9 p.m., police detained four girls who were in a fight. Police reported this was an isolated incident between them, but it drew a crowd of two to three dozen onlookers. Ruszkowski said, hopefully, friends and family intervene before a fight breaks out again and police intervention is needed. As a safety precaution, the fireworks display last year was canceled. This year, a drone show by Chicago Drone Show will take place instead at 8 p.m. Sept. 14.
Police will provide early-morning, during-the-event and overnight security at the park and its surrounding areas. Due to other city events the same weekend, Ruszkowski admitted that the police department will be spread thin at times based on circumstances that occur. South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon said the Indiana State fire marshal and inspectors will be present as well.
Heat exhaustion precautions for Fusion Fest
Saturday and Sunday have similar weather forecasts, with a high of 85 degrees and low of 62 degrees, according to WNDU-TV meteorologist Jack Van Meter. He projected the weekend to have low humidity, which would help out with any heat exhaustion or illness and suggested people listen to their body and stay cool and hydrated.
A trackless train, which is meant for anyone, but is also ADA accessible, can shuttle South Bend attendees through the park. Zeithammer said it was noticed last year with the heat and crowds that some people had difficulty getting from one place to another on both days all day long. Medics and fire personnel will also be available for any type of emergency, Buchanon said.
Parking and shuttles
Free parking is available at the Wayne Street garage and the Crow lot and Everwise Credit Union on Jefferson Boulevard or on the street in neighborhoods. ADA accessible parking is at Zion Community Church. A shuttle is available for attendees who park at St. Joseph High School at Leighton Stadium from noon to 4 p.m. Paid parking is available at Century Center.
Street closures
From 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, St. Louis Boulevard from Jefferson Boulevard to St. Peter Street will be closed. From 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 to 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, Jefferson Boulevard from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to St. Louis Boulevard will be closed.
Food and beverages
More than 30 local restaurants, food trucks and vendors will be represented at Fusion Fest with African, Mediterranean, Korean, Mexican, Caribbean cuisines and more. Vendors will also offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and nut free options. Foods are separated by regions: North America, South America, Africa and Asia/Europe.
"I'm excited to see South Bend stand up and represent, in a good way," Greg Williams with Fitzgerald's Smokehouse Barbecue said. "Let's be positive, be courteous and, you know, love one another."
Entertainment
Fusion Fest aims to unite people through music and dance. With a range of artisans, performers and demonstrators on four stages, each day will showcase a variety of acts separated by North America, South America, Africa, Asia/Europe.
"So many times, we look at our difference," Cynthia Simmons-Taylor, who leads the city's Office of Diversity, Compliance and Inclusion, said, "Some of those differences are beautiful, they are wonderful, and they are differences that we need to embrace and we need to celebrate. That's how you make people feel that they belong … knowing your culture and some of your arts. It's just phenomenal. It's what's going to bind us together."
In addition, family-friendly activities include a climbing wall, zipline, bounce house and crafts.
What to bring and leave at home
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs to watch concerts, but coolers and large bags are not allowed. Weapons of any kind are also not allowed.
Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Food, parking, safety: 7 things to expect at Fusion Fest 2024