Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 10 June 2010 — Page 4

Page 4 • The Muncie Times • June 10, 2010

continued from page 1 American) culture but it will be enjoyable for all races, ethnicities and nationalities,” Wagner said. “The MBE wants to use the Summer Celebration to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans. “We also want to encourage African American youth and families achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their ethnicity. And we celebrate cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels and religious affiliations. “(Above all) we hope to achieve unity and family fun. We have something for the entire family to enjoy. We are expecting no less than 1,000 people.” The Friday through Sunday activities at Heekin Park, 9th and Grant streets, will include activities for children and adults. “The major change (this year) is that we will have two stages featuring live entertainment for the weekend. We will also feature a hair and fashion show, youth entertainment, car show, Kids lane, cake decorating and horseshoe tournament. These events were added because we felt like it was time to go to the next level and we also

wanted to make sure that we had something for everyone to enjoy” she said. “. During our planning sessions we always made sure that we focused on the fact that the economy is affecting everyone but we do not want the lack of money stop someone from coming out. We are going to have two stages featuring live entertainment the entire weekend, free activities such as face painting, finger nail polishing for the girls, a cake walk, which is a huge favorite, cake decorating and much more.” Below is the full schedule for this weekend’s Summeer Celebration: Ecumenical Service at 7 p.m. June 3, Trinity UMC 1210 S. Hackley Pastor Dana Hill, Speaker Sponsored by Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy Friday, June 4, 2010 to Sunday, June 6, 2010 Featuring “The World’s Best Carnival!” Rides, Games, Food & Prizes Old School “Motown Night” Parade MIBE Queens & Princesses Local & National Vendors “Rip The Runway” Hair & Fashion Show GospelFest “Pride In My Ride” Car

Show “Kids Lane” Free Popcorn, Face Painting, Bubble Machine Cake Decorating HorseShoe Tournament Live Stage & Music Entertainment MIBE Souvenirs and Resale Tent “Lots of Fun for Everyone!” For More Information Call MIBE “HOTLINES”- 765-282-1997 or 765-215-5031 The theme for this year's celebration is Celebrating 40 years of Excellence. This is the statewide theme for the Indiana Black Expo, of which Muncie Black Expo is an affiliate. The statewide Indiana Black Expo will hold its own summer celebration during July in Indianapolis. “We use the Indiana Black Expo celebration as a guideline for our Summer Celebration. We look at their schedule and see what will work for our community and then we add other events,” Wagner said. The ecumenical service always starts the Summer Celebration. “The ecumenical service is a time that we have set aside to come together and praise and thank God. Church is a tradition in the African American community,” Wagner said. “This is a time when we come and listen to good singing, to the preached word and when we leave, we are encouraged to continue on this journey.”

The celebration has usually been held later in the summer. This year’s event was moved to early June because, “We wanted to kick off the summer season. The kids are just getting out of school and we wanted to be the first to reward them by having our celebration early,” she said. Wagner, who is in her first year as MBE president, said she looks forward to a successful celebration. “For the Summer Celebration to be a success, in my opinion, is when the Summer Celebration has come to an end, the community is still talking about how much fun they had, how much they learned and they are already looking forward to 2011,” she said. “Because we have taken this year's summer celebration to another level. We have used what they have done in the past, made changes and added new activities and by the response that we've been receiving, it's working. We have people calling asking what can they do to help or how can they participate. ‘Meet me in Heekin Park and I promise you will have the time of your life.” Wagner said the success for the planning and the expected success of the Heekin Park events is because, “We are so blessed to have a great group of people

that are all talented in their own respect. I am so blessed to be surrounded by good people that are willing to share not only their time, but also their knowledge to help with this event. “(MemberdThe board of directors are Dee Harris (who also serves as our State Representative), Christene Scaife, Cathy Evans, Yolanda Bonner, Angela Gordon, Bea Foster, Jeaninne LeeLake, Gary Chenault. Despite the name, the Indiana Black Expo and its affiliates, including the Muncie chapter, is a nonsectarian humanitarian organization. Although it focuses on African American history and culture, its activities and programs are nonracial and embrace all groups. Muncie individual membership is $25 per year. Family memberships is $45. Wagner said the advantages of MBE membership include joining a group of people that are committed to making “our community the best it can be. You also receive an IBE lapel pen, a membership card, 10 percent discount on IBE merchandise, AAA Hoosier Motor Club Membership discount and Enterprise Rent-A-Car Member discount. You will also be placed on the local and statewide IBE mailing list and will be informed of all events sponsored by the Expo.”