Black Expo celebrates success at events - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

This year's Summer Celebration wrapped up Sunday evening in downtown Indy without any major incidents to report.

Organizers got in front of potential problems that could jeopardize the safety of those attending the events.

Indiana Black Expo organizers set out to make this years Summer Celebration a fun learning experience for young people.

Brandon Nigel said, "A lot of young people have come here to learn about their culture. I think it's been great, I think it's been great this year."

This year's health fair gave Expo goers several days to take advantage of free screenings and testing that otherwise costs hundreds of dollars.

"You can learn a lot and find out health problems that you may not have known existed," said Sarah Terry.

All weekend thousands shopped exhibition vendors.

On Saturday officers dealt with a handful of problems among teenagers, but nothing got in the way of people having a good time.

"Folk were able to come here and have a good time and not worry about violence," explained acting IMPD Police Chief Rick Hite.

"We made sure that we sat down and we met to make sure that our plan was in place so kudos to the city of Indianapolis," said Tanya Bell, Indiana Black Expo CEO & President.

On Friday, Downtown officers arrested seven people, wrote 14 traffic tickets and issued seven city ordinance citations for things like loud music or improper vendor licenses.

On Saturday officers made 14 arrests, handled 15 curfew violations and issued one traffic ticket.

Acting IMPD Chief Hite gave the response a B plus this year, "Last year we learned that with young people there were clear boundaries cut and expectations."

The final day of expo started with praise and worship, followed by more convention floor activities for the family.

Summer Celebration organizers hope to finalize attendance numbers early this week.