Festival will promote black heritage

The festival features karaoke, line dancing and talent and fashion shows.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The 22nd annual Trumbull County African-American Achiever's Association Festival begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Friday and runs through June 4 in Courthouse Square park, featuring Ronny Love and the Drifters from 7 to 11 p.m. next Saturday.
The world-famous group, featuring Love as its lead singer, has sold more than 30 million records and spans top 40, rap, blues, jazz and country, playing today's hits as well as hits from the past.
Admission to all festival events is free. Besides entertainment at the gazebo, the festival offers rides for children and numerous vendors of food, clothing, jewelry and other merchandise. Festival hours will be noon to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
"We're committed to promoting our rich heritage" and to celebrating the accomplishments of black history, said Robert L. Davis, association president.
Here's the idea
"We invite people from all walks of life to come down and enjoy the festival, the food and the entertainment," Davis said. "We're trying to promote brotherhood for all mankind -- not just African Americans," he said of the festival, which typically draws 10,000 to 15,000 people over its three-day run.
West Market Street will be closed to motor vehicles from Main Avenue to North Park Avenue, and Mahoning Avenue will be closed from West Market Street to Monroe Street from 6 p.m. Thursday until 8 a.m. June 5. Six city police officers and four Trumbull County sheriff's deputies will provide security.
A one-mile parade to Courthouse Square will begin at noon Saturday at the Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. S.W. Grand marshals are Superintendent Melvin L. Howard Sr. of St. James Church of God in Christ, the Rev. Ronald Fowlis of the East Side Church of Christ and former Cleveland Browns football players Judson Flint and Dick Schrafth. Flint and Schrafth will sign autographs after the parade.
C & amp;P Productions of Warren will present karaoke at 2 p.m. Friday and line dancing at 5 p.m. Saturday. Billy Johnson and the Old School Band will perform at 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, Michelle Watson will present a talent show, which is open to all amateur performers but requires that they use language appropriate for a family-oriented festival.
The Hometown Buffet Bee, a mascot dressed as a bumble bee and representing the Niles restaurant, will entertain children at 3 p.m. Friday.
Gospel Sunday will be presented by Brad Ferguson and Lamond Howard at 2 p.m. at the gazebo, featuring choirs, soloists, musicians, puppets, Messiah dancers and a drama group. Candice Freeman will present a Sunday fashion show.