Curfew reminder as Summer Celebration begins - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metro Police want parents to do their part in keeping kids safe during Summer Celebration by following the city's curfew.

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration will draw tens of thousands of people downtown, especially during the events for young people.

Event planners have vowed to broadcast the curfew reminders at several of the events scheduled for young people. Summer Celebration organizers are working to prevent a repeat of violence that broke out two years ago when ten teenagers were shot.

That means parents playing an active role in making sure their children know and adhere to the curfews so that they not only have a good time but also get back home safe and sound.

"Communicate to your young people to observe the curfew laws, be respectful when they are downtown, to go and just have fun, like we did last year. Just go and make it a family affair, that is what we are shooting for and that is what we are expecting," said Vernon Williams, IBE communications director.

Teenager Daneisha Miller has no worries about her safety downtown during this year's Summer Celebration.

"I think, like, the police have it under control. Everywhere you go these days, something could happen bad. You just have to pay attention," Miller said.

Like last year, members of the Faith Patrol will assist 400 law enforcement officers to closely watch the crowds of young people attending the Expo.

For children under age 15, the curfew is 11:00 pm, while children ages 15-17 need to be off the streets by 1 a.m. Kids seen wandering alone after curfew may be detained by police for their parents to pick them up. A parking lot at the corner of Illinois and Maryland will be one place for parents to pick their children up. If that location fills up, there will be a second location for pick-up at the Juvenile Detention Center at 25th and Keystone.

"Don't be in trouble. Make something good happen," Miller said.

With so many police and volunteers working during Summer Celebration, organizers say all they need is for every parent to get involved.

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration