With a small paper fan providing her only relief from the heat, Ivie Bell, of North Avondale, sat back in her lawn chair Saturday and took in the music at the Procter & Gamble Pavilion at Sawyer Point.
It was her turn to guard the coveted spot just to the right of the pavilion, as her family went off to enjoy the attractions at the ninth annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion.
''Every year I get this same grassy spot,'' Ms. Bell said, a pulsating rhythm nearly drowning out her voice. It was Ms. Bell's ninth trip to the annual event, which continues at 1 p.m. today at Sawyer Point.
About 200,000 people are expected to attend the event, which features forums, information, food, merchandise and entertainment.
''It's something we look forward to,'' Ms. Bell said. ''It's family-oriented, and it feels good to be a part of it.''
If you go
The Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion continues today at 10 a.m. with worship at the Spirituality Pavilion, followed at 1 p.m. by activities including Jazz in the Cove at Yeatman's Cove at 2 p.m. and a Gospel Fest at 5 p.m. at P&G Pavilion.
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The national event was created 12 years ago by the National Council of Negro Women to counter media reports about the demise of the black family.
''We started the Black Family Reunion to stress there are strengths in the black family,'' said Dorothy Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women.
''We are a people with problems, not a problem people.''
Mrs. Height said the event has drawn an estimated 14 million people to events across the country. The Cincinnati celebration is the second largest event in the nation, she said.
Local organizers say it is the event's family atmosphere and mixture of food, fun and information that keeps people coming back.
''What helps is word of mouth, when everybody comes down and sees how this is not a place where you will see violence,'' said Diane Byrd, president of the Cincinnati Section of the National Council of Negro Women.
''Everybody is so friendly. Even though there are 200,000 people here, it's like being with your family.''
Gary Rodgers, owner of Pisces of Louisville, has brought his fish, a crowd favorite, back to Sawyer Point each year for the Black Family Reunion.
''It's such a beautiful thing to see black people come together in harmony,'' he said.
Angela Roper, 29, sat keeping a watchful eye on her three children, but she said she doesn't have to worry because the event is safe.
''My kids have fun,'' Ms. Roper said. ''They see a lot of other kids having fun. I just like them to see black people getting together and having a good time.''
