Fusion Fest returns to South Bend this weekend, here’s what you need to know
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Fusion Fest is happening this weekend in South Bend at Howard Park. It features a variety of food vendors, artisans, and performances.
The event goes on for two days:
- Saturday, September 27 from 12-8 p.m.
- Sunday, September 28 from 12-5 p.m.
The event, which is presented by IBEW Local 153, aims to celebrate diversity within the community, bringing experiences, food vendors, and performances. It’s set to bring tens of thousands of people to South Bend’s downtown area.
Fusion Fest will be separated into global regions, with stages and vendors at each corresponding region.
According to the City of South Bend, here are some of the experiences to be featured at the event:
- The First Fusion Fest Artisan Market
- Biergarten
- Bounce House
- Free Carrousel Rides
- Chicago Drone Light Show
- Kids Zone sponsored by the University of Notre Dame
- Kids Zone interactive passport
- Roller Skating
- Sensory Friendly Zone
- Trackless Train Rides sponsored by VSBM
- Sneaker Art competition sponsored by CFSJC
ABC57 spoke with Juan Rivera, owner of Professor Butterbeer, a vendor at Fusion Fest this year.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year. It's in the hometown. It's just huge. It's beautiful. What they do with this festival. It's a really, it's a lot of work goes into it. And it shows,” said Rivera.
He says people shouldn't have to travel to Universal Studios to get the Harry Potter themed drink!
South Bend City leaders gathered on Wednesday, sharing excitement for the upcoming Fusion Fest.
Pastor Canneth Lee, 1st District Councilman and President of South Bend’s common council, explained the excitement.
“The fact that we've been able to bring back the Fusion Fest for the last three years, and it's getting better and bigger every year. We're excited about it, we're excited about the weather, and we're excited about all of the great community members that will be a part of this,” said Lee.
City leaders also emphasized the importance of safety. South Bend Mayor James Mueller explained why safety is a top priority.
“Since we brought back Fusion Fest three years ago, safety was at the top of our list and the top of our priorities, and that will continue to be the case this year. And so, as you know, this festival in its previous iteration, the Ethnic Festival, was canceled because of safety issues a number of years ago. And so that's why that's been our top focus, and will remain to be our top focus,” said Mueller.
According to the city, coolers, large bags, and backpacks will not be allowed in the festival, though there may be some exceptions for family or medical reasons, according to police. Bags are subject to search, and clear bags are encouraged.
No weapons of any kind will be allowed on festival grounds. ABC57 was told magnetometers, or metal detectors, will be at festival entrances as well.
Once the festival is over each night, guests will not be allowed to stay. Security will also be there overnight once the event closes.
South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski says if they see unruly behavior, they will intervene before it becomes violent.
“I'm begging people, please don't push us to the point where we have to intervene. Just be good, decent human beings with proper decorum, have respect for everyone else, including yourself, and then we won't have any issues, just like last year,” said Ruszkowski
He says they have a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior. Which Ruszkowski describes.
“People or groups gathered together, screaming at each other, screaming from a distance or proximity, challenging, threatening, things of that nature — it's not going to be tolerated. Period. This is a fun, family, all persons environment,” said Ruszkowski.
Following the recent shots fired situations near Eddy Street Commons, ABC57 asked Chief Ruszkowski if there would be an increased police presence at this event as a result.
“Obviously, we gauge it on last year's turnout and the previous years, and then obviously things that go on throughout the city, including Eddy Street Commons, we've taken all those into consideration. So, like I said, you'll have probably an incremental increase here on the inside and an increased presence on the outside,” said Ruszkowski.
There will also be some road closures for this event, which you can find on the Fusion Fest website.