Published: August 21, 2008 11:04 pm         

African American Festival has diverse events

Hyte Center hosting event for 22nd year

TERRE HAUTE — From a greens cook-off to a youth basketball tournament, a variety of new things is expected at this year’s Charles T. Hyte Center’s 22nd Annual African American Festival.

This year’s festival will be from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Thompson Park at South 17th and Oak streets. The event is sponsored by Sony DADC, Ellis Law, Midwest Communications, Pino’s Restaurant, Presstime Graphics Inc., First Financial Bank, T.C. Wes Grocery, the Tribune-Star and WTWO-TV 2.

The festival started in 1986 at Washington Park as an idea and opportunity for the community to unite with the African-American culture of the Wabash Valley, according to festival co-chair C. Dwayne Malone. Aside from food, there is no cost to festival attendees.

Other new events include a corn hole competition, a $100 gas card raffle and HB’s Chess Challenge.

The 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament is for kids in third through sixth grade. Each team must be accompanied by an adult. Those who have not already registered can register between 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Three judges for the greens cook-off will be looking for the best presentation and taste. Winners of each contest will receive a $25 gift card or certificate from various local merchants.

Bingo will run from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no entry fee, and winners will receive door prizes and other gifts, Malone said.

Additional events include Just Us band from 3 to 5 p.m.; Six Seven Five band from 7 to 9 p.m.; roasted corn on the cob; clothing, hair and jewelry vendors; face painting; an inflatable moonwalk; and an open mic talent show.

Downtown Terre Haute Inc. will also be recognized between 5 and 6 p.m. for its Hometown Heroes banners, which displayed prominent African Americans on lampposts throughout downtown, Malone said.

With all of the new events and a few returning favorites, Malone said none of it would have been possible without the Hyte Center’s board of directors and all the time and efforts they’ve volunteered.

In addition to all the events, Malone said guests should come “for community fellowship, fun and just to have a great time.”

“To get reacquainted with people maybe they haven’t seen in a while in the community,” Malone said. “It’s to bring us together and unite our community, not just the African-American community, but the community abroad.”

In case of inclement weather, festivities will begin at noon Sunday.

For more information, call (812) 234-0724 or visit www.thehytecenter.org.