SOUTH BEND – The second annual Fusion Fest at Howard Park aims to provide the community with a safe, welcoming and fun weekend.
The city looks forward to celebrating the community’s great diversity while keeping safety as a top priority, South Bend Mayor James Mueller said Sept. 12 as initial preparations for Fusion Fest at Howard Park were underway.
The Fusion Fest takes place on September 14th from 11am to 8pm and on September 15th from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free.
South Bend City Councilwoman Rachel Tomas Morgan said, “As an immigrant myself, I know we don’t have to be a country that fears the differences of our neighbors. … Fusion Fest is an opportunity for us to celebrate differences and honor the richness of ethnicities, cultures and people who call South Bend home.”
Security
During Fusion Fest 2023, long lines formed to get through security to the event, city spokeswoman Allison Zeithammer said. For 2024, magnetometers will be placed in the same locations as last year, East Wayne Street and East Jefferson Boulevard, which can be viewed on an interactive map. The city asks that visitors bring clear bags, although they are not required, for faster entry. Any size is acceptable. Starting at noon, Sept. 12, free Fusion Fest clear bags were available for pickup at the Howard Park Event Center.
South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski urged the public to “leave the drama where it is.” On September 9, 2023, at around 9 p.m., police arrested four girls involved in an argument. Police reported it was an isolated incident between them, but it drew a crowd of two to three dozen onlookers. Ruszkowski said hopefully friends and family will intervene before another argument breaks out and police intervention is required. Due to safety concerns, last year’s fireworks display was canceled. This year, a drone show by the Chicago Drone Show will take place instead on September 14 at 8 p.m.
Police will provide security in the park and surrounding areas during the early morning hours, during the event and at night. Due to other events in the city that same weekend, Ruszkowski admitted police will be overwhelmed at times depending on the circumstances. South Bend Fire Chief Carl Buchanon said the Indiana State Fire Marshal and inspectors will also be in attendance.
Precautions against heat exhaustion at Fusion Fest
For Saturday and Sunday, the forecast is similar: highs of 30 degrees and lows of 16 degrees, according to WNDU-TV meteorologist Jack Van Meter. He predicted low humidity for the weekend, which would prevent heat exhaustion or illness, and advised people to listen to their bodies and stay cool and hydrated.
A trackless train, which is suitable for everyone but also ADA accessible, can transport visitors from South Bend through the park. Zeithammer said they noticed last year, because of the heat and crowds, that some people had difficulty getting from one place to another throughout the day on both days. Paramedics and firefighters will also be on hand for any type of emergency, Buchanon said.
Parking and shuttles
Free parking is available in the Wayne Street Garage, Crow parking lot, and Everwise Credit Union on Jefferson Boulevard or on the street in residential areas. ADA accessible parking is available at Zion Community Church. A shuttle is available for visitors parking at St. Joseph High School at Leighton Stadium from noon to 4 p.m. Paid parking is available at the Century Center.
Road closures
From 6:00 a.m. Friday, September 13th through 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 17th, St. Louis Boulevard will be closed from Jefferson Boulevard to St. Peter Street. From 6:00 a.m. Saturday, September 14th through 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 16th, Jefferson Boulevard will be closed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to St. Louis Boulevard.
Food and drinks
More than 30 local restaurants, food trucks and vendors will be present at Fusion Fest, serving African, Mediterranean, Korean, Mexican, Caribbean cuisine and more. Vendors will also offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options. Food is divided by region: North America, South America, Africa and Asia/Europe.
“I’m glad to see South Bend stepping up and representing itself in a good way,” said Greg Williams of Fitzgerald’s Smokehouse Barbecue. “Let’s be positive, be polite and, you know, love each other.”
Entertainment
Fusion Fest aims to bring people together through music and dance. Different artists representing North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe will perform on four stages each day.
“We see our differences so often,” said Cynthia Simmons-Taylor, who heads the city’s Office of Diversity, Compliance and Inclusion. “Some of those differences are beautiful, they’re wonderful, and they’re differences that we need to embrace and celebrate. That’s how you make people feel like they belong … by knowing your culture and some of your arts. That’s just phenomenal. That’s what’s going to bring us together.”
Other family-friendly activities include a climbing wall, zip line, bouncy castle and arts and crafts.
What to bring and what to leave at home
Attendees are asked to bring chairs to the concert, but coolers and large bags are not permitted. Weapons of any kind are also not permitted.
Email Tribune editor Camille Sarabia at [email protected].
