Indiana Black Expo, Anderson Chapter Summer Festival

The Indiana Black Expo, Anderson Chapter Summer Festival is a multi-cultural event held annually at Jackson Park, 2200 Raible Ave, Anderson, Madison County. The 2025 festival runs from July 25 to July 27. This festival showcases live music, food and merchant vendors, a parade, youth and adult basketball tournaments, a health and resource fair, and various other activities designed to engage and celebrate the community.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings:
The festival is set in Jackson Park, a community gathering spot in Anderson known for its green space and accessibility. The atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, reflecting a celebration of African American culture and broader multicultural themes. It brings together local families, youth, and professionals for a weekend of fun, culture, and community empowerment. The event is handicapped accessible, facilitating participation for all attendees.

Activities and Offerings:

• Live Music: Performances by local and regional artists, often highlighting genres popular in African American culture.
• Food and Merchant Vendors: Diverse food options, including traditional African American and multicultural cuisines, alongside vendors offering crafts, clothing, and other merchandise.
• Parade: A community parade that typically features floats, dance groups, and representations from local organizations.
• Youth and Adult Basketball: Competitive basketball games providing sport and recreation for community members of different ages.
• Health and Resource Fair: Booths and activities aimed at promoting health awareness, prevention, and access to community resources.
• Additional activities often include youth programming, community workshops, and family-friendly entertainment.

Event Schedule (Typical Outline):

• Day 1 (July 25): Opening ceremonies and kickoff, parade, some early vendor setup, basketball tournaments begin.
• Day 2 (July 26): Full day of live music performances, continuation of basketball tournaments, health and resource fair open, parade highlights.
• Day 3 (July 27): Final basketball games and awards, live music finale, closing remarks.

History and Founding:

The Indiana Black Expo itself is a statewide organization dedicated to the social and economic advancement of African American families and youth, with multiple chapters including the Anderson Chapter. The Anderson Summer Festival is a community-driven extension of these goals, designed to celebrate local culture, uplift the community economically by supporting vendors and artists, and provide opportunities for health and wellness education.

The Anderson Chapter also hosts other events such as the Statewide Conference, which focuses on professional development and community programming.

In summary, the Indiana Black Expo, Anderson Chapter Summer Festival serves as a vibrant cultural hub, fostering community pride, entertainment, and education over a festive weekend in July.