Many fun activities are available for families during every Labor Day weekend, but they can now look forward to something new and exciting in Indianapolis.
Culturefest 2009, an event offering family fun and celebrating cultural unity, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday Sept. 6 on the parking lot at the southwest end of Lafayette Square Mall, located at 3900 N. Lafayette Rd.
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days families will be able to enjoy everything from live musical entertainment and ethnic foods, to free giveaways and special guest celebrity appearances.
“This event, which is free to the community, will provide a creative platform for African-Americans and Latinos to come together and celebrate each other’s cultures,” said Al “Bishop” Hobbs, a gospel music industry executive who is organizing the free event with several ministers and the Indiana Culture and Arts Festival. “Both of our communities have experienced growth, and it would be nice if we could create more sensitivity between these two sectors of the Indianapolis community.”
Hobbs is no stranger to producing large-scale events and programs. He is best known as founder of the Aleho International recording label, which was established in 1992 and has launched the careers of gospel music artists such as Angela Spivey, Kathy Taylor-Brown, Oscar Williams and DeWayne Harvey as well as comedian Sister Cantaloupe.
Hobbs also became famous as a personality and general manager with WTLC-FM from the 1970s until the 90s. He is the founder of the Starquest talent show and the Fall Fest community gathering held each year during Circle City Classic weekend.
During Culturefest visitors can expect the best in cultural merchandise, ethnic foods, and non-stop entertainment from dancers, singers, and musicians on both days.
A special Back to School rally will take place on Saturday, following this year’s edition of the Indianapolis Dance Championships.
Sunday will feature a citywide youth worship service and the best in gospel music at GUTSIY (pronounced Gut-si) or Gospel United To Save Indianapolis Youth, an event designed to uplift and encourage youth of all races. Representatives from youth serving agencies and organizations will have booths providing families information on combating the challenges that plague youth.
“We have to utilize opportunities such as this to encourage our kids, because there is so much out in the world waiting to ensnare them. As a community we have to show them that we care and are ready to help them succeed,” said Minister Byron Alston, who serves as director of the community organization Save the Youth and is helping in the organization of youth activities for Culturefest.
Local celebrities, public officials and professional athletes from the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers are expected to appear both days. Students will also benefit from the giveaways of free items such as book bags and school supplies.
Lafayette Square Mall is located seven miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, and Hobbs said it was selected as the site of the event because it is situated in Pike Township, a very diverse area of the city that has witnessed an increase in both African-American and Latino residents.
Hobbs noted that although Culturefest will celebrate the Black and Latino cultures, everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities.
“We know that many people probably already have their plans made for the Labor Day weekend, but if you and your family are still in town and you’re out riding around, we invite you to stop by and be blessed,” said Hobbs. “We’re going to have one big harambee where everyone should have a great time and be empowered.”
