Make wishtv.com your home page

Beating the heat: Weekend festivals, fairs prompt health warnings

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The warm weather this weekend is sure to bring more people to a number of festivals and other happenings in downtown Indy

On Saturday, the Circle City IN Pride will be held on American Legion Mall. There are also Talbott Street Art Fair, Italian Street Festival and the Indy Eleven and Indianapolis Indians home games happening over the weekend.

The fun began Thursday with the Strawberry Festival.

“This is the kickoff to summer in Indy; it all starts with Strawberry Fest,” said Downtown Indy’s Amanda Dorman.

“How can you say no to strawberry shortcake?” asked Lina Bui while attending her first Strawberry Festival.

Over 19,000 people also couldn’t say no. This is the 51st year of the festival. It’s hosted by the women of Christ Church Cathedral. They ran out of supplies by 3:30 p.m.

“They are awesome. They are so sweet,” Ilvens Jean said of the strawberry shortcake.

All of the festivals, fairs and ball games are in downtown.

“Almost everything is walkable this weekend, so we suggest riding a bike or parking and walking because everything is really close,” Dorman advised.

Over 100,000 are expected at the pride festival on Saturday.

“This is a day of celebration. It’s a day for our community, as the LGBT community to celebrate with our allies as well. Everyone is welcome to come here,” said Jason Hinson-Nolen, the president of Indy Pride.

A record-breaking 115,000 people went to the 2015 parade and festival. Enthusiasm was high because of the Supreme Court decision allowing same sex marriage, and the the fallout from RFRA.

Officials expect even more people this year.

“I don’t know that everyone is driven by political nature. I think a lot of them are driven by, we can throw a really good party on this day, and even though it’s going to be the surface-of-the-sun hot, I think that we’re going to have a good time,” Hinson-Nolen said.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s on Saturday, and with it comes the possibility of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

“If you feel faint, weak, sit down. Gather yourself, get some fluids in you,” said David Kelley, the chief of Indianapolis EMS. “Last thing you want to do is wait until the last second when it turns black and you fall.

Kelley says to make sure you include non-alcoholic drinks.

“Enjoy yourself; enjoy the festivities, but be smart about it and prepare yourself so you don’t become a casualty of the incident,” he said.

IMPD is urging you to drive sober and bring your patience. With so many people downtown it could take you awhile to get around town.