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Indianapolis Public Library’s Fall Fest features unique guests

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Local traditions such as Indianapolis Public Library’s Fall fest color cities. The upcoming Fall Fest, headed by the library’s African-American history committee, features local performers and notable guests, including Dr. Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the famous Super Soaker toy. 

Fall Fest will be noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 in Clowes Auditorium at Central Library and is free. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Limit” because the event will show positive ways families can go beyond limits. 

Johnson continues the library’s tradition of presenting nationally recognized guest speakers. He is currently president of Johnson Research and Development Co., is a scientist who has previously worked with the Air Force and NASA and is an inventor holding over 120 patents. Johnson’s most famous invention is the Super Soaker, a toy that has sold more than a billion dollars in sales. 

Cordia Watkins, Indianapolis Public Library’s member access coordinator, believes Johnson is a strong choice for speaker. Not only does his scientific background add an element of STEM into Fall Fest, but also he is an embodiment of this year’s theme.

“He’s an inventor,” Watkins said. “He’s a scientist. He has so many patents under his belt, so he has truly gone beyond the limit.”

Fall Fest isn’t just about national talent. L.U.T.A.N. (Lift Up Tumbling and Nutrition), a competitive cheer and nutrition group, will interpret “Beyond the Limit” through fitness and exercise. L.U.T.A.N. plans on encouraging audiences to get up and move.

In addition, Fall Fest will feature Slammin Rhymes. In Slammin Rhymes students from grades 7-12 submitted poetry, and a committee picked 10 poems based on oral delivery, meter, emotional resonance and embodiment of Fall Fest’s theme. Those 10 students will present their poems at Fall Fest.

“It’s about keeping the young people focused on something positive, which is exactly what this event is all about,” Watkins said. 

While the event is for all ages, Watkins notes that a good Fall Fest will be especially beneficial for children:

“We want young people to see themselves as some of the people we’re bringing, so we want young people to look at themselves and see themselves as a scientist, see themselves as creators,” Watkins said.  

 

Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7846.

Fall Fest features unique guests

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