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'A family reunion': Indy celebrates Black culture at Juneteenth event despite heat advisory
Indy Juneteenth celebrated Black culture at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 21 for its eighth year.
While the heat dampened foreheads, it didn't dampen spirits.
Guests walked down aisles of vendors, watched community dance performances, grooved to live music and played in the kid's section — which was complete with multiple bounce houses and a rock climbing wall.
Organizer Twjonia Webb said the new, spacious venue allowed the event to accomplish more and reach more of Indianapolis.
Nearly all guests interviewed referred to Indy Juneteenth as a family reunion. Attendees recognized the event's historical significance without allowing an oppressive history to sour the event's mood. One vendor said Indy Juneteenth is one of the few days she can exist easily and unapologetically as a Black person.
Natalie Pipkin owns a mobile bookstore highlighting Black authors. Her modified school bus celebrated its three-year birthday at Indy Juneteenth.
"We celebrate Black culture all year," she said. "This is just another day for us to gather."
The outdoor celebration coincides with a heat advisory. Indianapolis hit 90 degrees for the first time this year just before 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Indianapolis. The city is expected to experience heat indices of up to 103 degrees until June 24.
One guest said increased temperatures may have discouraged some people from attending. Organizer James Webb said between 3,000 to 5,000 guests were expected throughout the day. Last year, almost 10,000 visited throughout the day.
EMTs proactively checked for anyone with heat-related ailments, ready to usher them to a decked-out first aid tent with iced drinks, electrolyte powder and a reclining chair for those feeling faint.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Juneteenth: Eight years of Black Hoosier pride
