From carnival rides for children to fashion shows and a gospel festival, this year's Muncie Black Expo's summer celebration offered a variety of activities — some traditional and some new — to attendants this weekend.
The summer celebration is a tradition from Indiana Black Expo, an organization that encourages and celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans throughout the state. The Black Expo in Indianapolis is a 10 day-long event that features entertainment and cultural activities. This year's celebration inlcuded rides, fashion shows, car shows, games, music and vendors.
The 18th annual summer celebration in Muncie brought not only more activities, but more people, with more than 1,200 residents attending the event each day, president of the the Black Expo Chapter in Muncie Rena Wagner said.
"I think it was a huge success," she said. "We've been getting great feedback for the success of these events. The event is much bigger than last year. People have told me this has probably been the biggest event they've attended."
The goal of the summer celebration, as other events put together by Black Expo, is to promote unity among the community and to have events for the family.
"I'm glad we do this, we have something for families to do during the summe," Wagner said.
Janet King, a volunteer for Muncie Black Expo, said she has been participating in the event for about six years. She said she has seen the event grow in the past few years.
"This is the best one so far, the parade went on for blocks," she said. "I was here in the park when I saw them walk in and they kept coming and coming in."
King said she would like to continue helping the organization in future events because of the opportunity for the community to unite.
"It's big for the community, something they look forward to every year," she said. "I'll definitely keep participating, as long as I'm in the community."
Ball State University students also participated in putting together the summer celebration, and others participating in the events.
Senior business major Danielle Jernigan has been participating in one way or the other in summer celebrations. She has participated in the pageant for a couple years, and has been involved overall with the event for about five years.
Jernigan said the event helps the community with positive influences.
"I think these events help you become a better person," she said. "You have community involvement and it ties you to the family."
There are less Ball State students participating in the summer celebration because many are away from Muncie for the summer.
"Some Ball State students participate throughout the year on Black Expo activities. I also participate in some other events, but in the summer most of them are gone."
Being a part of the organization also helps students gain experience in working to put together an imporant event, Jernigan said.
"As a business major, I think this is an opportunity for students to become entrepreneurs," she said. "People need to organize themselves, marketing the event and putting together a good product."
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