South Side Fest returns for second year with free entertainment, fun

FORT WAYNE—James Scott believes in giving thanks in one of the best ways possible—by giving back.

That’s the idea behind the second annual South Side Fest, scheduled for 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 7 at Rudisill Plaza at the northwest corner of Rudisill Boulevard and Clinton Street.

Scott, the owner of TGFM/Mobile, 3706 S. Calhoun St., said he’s been blessed personally and as a businessman. In a little more than a year, he’s established a multifaceted communications and media business as one of the anchors of the south side of the city. In fact, Scott said he’s preparing to open another location in the city offering the same variety of mobile phone related products and services and other media services he offers at the original TGFM location. He said he and other business people in the community want to once again show the community how much they appreciate the support residents— particularly those on the south side of town—have given them. That’s why Scott and others put together the free South Side Fest.

“It’s just a way to give back and try to bring the community back together,” explained Scott.

He said that’s especially important to him, given his roots. According to Scott, too often, the south side of town doesn’t get the same consideration as other parts of the city. But, rather than complain, Scott and his supporters say they have been blessed to do something themselves, rather than wait on others to give that part of town something.

“It’s just personal to me, growing up on the South Side and seeing our community overlooked,” he said.

South Side Fest organizers have put together a full day of entertainment and fun for the entire family. Events include:

• A car, truck and bike show.
• A chicken and rib grill off.
• A Kiddie Land playground for the youngsters.
• Raffles.
• A community resource/health tent.
• Food and merchandise vendors
• A dance competition.

In addition, Scott said there again will be a wide variety of live entertainment, including rock, pop, country, gospel, hip hop and r&b performers, not only from Fort Wayne, but also surrounding areas such as Indianapolis, Kendaville and even a familiar special guest from Nashville. A professional sound and lighting company is coming in to make sure the presentations are top quality.

“I think our people deserve to come out a couple of times a year and enjoy some good free entertainment,” said Scott.

And, he said, south side businesses are footing the bill, making admission to the event free. There will even be free haircuts, courtesy of Shining Sons Barber Shop. The only cost is for goods people might purchase from vendors displaying their wares.

Additionally, this year festival organizers are partnering with the Boys & Girls Club at 2609 Fairfield Ave., adding a special kickoff event.

On Aug. 6, the day before the actual festival, the Boys & Girls Club is scheduled to kickoff the weekend celebration with a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Fairfield facility. Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Joe Jordan said when Scott approached him about helping out with the festival, he jumped at the chance to assist in doing something special for south side residents—especially young people.

“On behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs, we are honored to be a part of this collaboration,” said Jordan. “I am thrilled to see the TGFM Corporation takes a strong interest in the south side of Fort Wayne, reaching out into the community and seeking ways to unite it—highlighting the positiveness in an area that many continue to focus on the negative. I personally salute their efforts and commitment to this community.”

While local businesses and service organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club are contributing to the effort, Scott said that isn’t the only sector of the community to which he and his partners are reaching out.

“Anytime you try to do something, you need to have some spiritual guidance,” explained Scott.

With that in mind, he said he enlisted the aid of a nearby clergy member—Pastor Melvin Billingsley of Carry The Word Ministries— to coordinate church and spiritual involvement in the festival. Scott said, when he approached Billingsley, the pastor was quick to lend his assistance.

“Pastor Billingsley carried the Word—he did what he said he was going to do,” said Scott.

“What James (Scott) has done is to bring in organizations and businesses. My role is coming from the spiritual side, the church side,” said Billingsley.

He said he is working to get area church to come support and participate in the South Side Fest. What convinced him to be a part was Scott’s desire to bring the community together to celebrate and work together in a spirit of peace and cooperation.

“The thing that drew my attention is that it’s a unifying effort,” said Billingsley. “James is trying to make as much of the event free to the public as possible and that takes support.”

Billingsley said already the South Side Fest has some important supporters including McDonald’s, Vera Bradley, TGFM, 1st Choice Tents & Party Rental, TNT Sound Productions and the Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, he said Tippman Properties deserved a special “shout out” for providing the space to hold the festival.

“We also want to thank Blue Jacket Inc. for being a sponsoring and getting involved—Tony Hudson and the staff,” said Billingsley.

But, he and Scott added, the project has its arms open to welcome even more sponsors. While some are quick to point out Scott as the organizer, he doesn’t see himself as the center of the effort. Rather, he explained, it’s a truly collective endeavor of equal partners— one in which he welcomes as many who are willing to partcipate.

“It’s not about titles,” said Scott. “Collectively, let’s just do something good together.”

For more information about the South Side Fest, including how to become a sponsor, how to participate as a vendor or information source or to compete in the chicken and rib grill off, call (260) 969- 0447; or visit the South Side Fest website at www.southsidefest.org.

For more information on the 3- on-3 Basketball Tournament kickoff at the Boys & Girls Club, or to register to participate in the tournament, visit the club at 2609 Fairfield Ave.; or call (260) 744-0998.

This is part of the July 28, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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