AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE ARTS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES DIVERSITY

   COLUMBUS -- New events will be featured at this year's 15th annual African American Heritage Arts Festival, a weeklong celebration of black culture and heritage on The Ohio State University campus May 11-15.

   Each day offers festival-goers a new way to explore and enjoy African-American cultural diversity. The food and cultural fair on Tuesday (5/11) and 'The Fest' on Saturday (5/15) provide entertainment and information for guests of all ages, while other events, such as 'The Party' and the Greek Stepshow, appeal primarily to young adults.

   "We're bringing in MTV's DJ Skribble for the Saturday party and there will be live music, family events and comedians during the 3 to 10 p.m. festival," said Cynthia McDonald-DeVese, coordinator of African American Student Services. "We want the students and the community to have a great time."

   A new addition to this year's festival is 'The Party,' featuring guest disc jockey DJ Skribble, Saturday (5/15) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. outside French Field House, 460 Woody Hayes Drive.

   The schedule is:

   TUESDAY -- A food and cultural fair at 6:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St. Admission is $3.

   WEDNESDAY -- A Greek mixer at 6 p.m. at the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th. Ave.

   -- A comedy hour at 8 p.m. at the Hale Center.

   THURSDAY -- A poetry slam and jazz artist reception at 7 p.m. at the Hale Center.

   FRIDAY -- A Greek Stepshow at 7 p.m. at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through the Wexner Center or Ticketmaster. Call 292-8763 for more information.

   SATURDAY -- 'The Fest' from 3 to 10 p.m. on the Oval. It will feature art, music, crafts, food and games.

   -- 'The Party' with guest DJ Skribble from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. outside French Field House.

   All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING INSTRUCTIONS

   Several thousand people are expected to come to Saturday's events, so festival-goers are encouraged to come early, park and walk to events or take the shuttle between the Fest and The Party.

   People coming from north or south of campus are encouraged to take state Route 315 to the Lane Avenue exit and head east toward campus. Those coming from the east are advised to take I- 71 to the 5th, 11th or 17th avenue exits to Fourth Street. Police officers will direct festival-goers to available parking and provide directions.

   Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all campus parking lots and garages. Parking lots around Ohio Stadium and Morrill and Lincoln towers will be filled first for The Party. Those arriving later in the evening for The Party will be directed to the nearest lots by traffic officers. There will be no parking on 12th Avenue from High Street to Summit Street. The Campus Area Bus Service will operate on a shortened loop of campus. Bus services will be available to all festival attendants. Because of expected heavy traffic, motorists who are not planning to attend festival events on Saturday are advised to avoid the campus area.

   People planning to attend The Party should be prepared to show a form of photo identification. Columbus and Ohio State University police will enforce the city's curfew of midnight for people under 18.

   Police will limit parking in the neighborhood between High and Fourth streets. Residents may need to show drivers licenses and/or student I.D. cards for access.

   About 40 clergy, along with volunteers from the campus and Columbus community, will act as intermediaries between festival- goers and police officers Saturday night. Clergy will wear "God Squad" hats and other volunteers will be identified by "Peace Keeper" hats or Event Staff vests.

Contact: Cynthia McDonald-DeVese, coordinator, African American Student Services, (614) 292-6584