Frequently Asked Questions

FESTIVAL FAQ’S

WHAT IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN?

¡Hola Fest! is the largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Youngstown, Ohio, highlighting (H)ispanic (O)r (L)atin (A)merican (HOLA) culture and all its diversity. For the 1st annual experience, we are in-person and featuring nationally recognized entertainers and celebrating the heritage of 15 Latin American countries with Hispanics of all backgrounds and ages.

  • We are a parade. We are a festival.
  • We offer parade participation. We offer vendor space. Both are based on a curated, thoroughly reviewed, application process.
  • Those we partner with must be related to the Hispanic / Latin Culture.

¡Hola Fest! is dedicated to local & regional cultural vendors. We hand select the best vendors in town to ensure each of them have a true passion for making a vibrant community of professionals/peers and investing in the economic growth of the Youngstown community.

When you’re ready, apply here.

WHERE IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN HAPPENING?

We’ve got a home in downtown Youngstown at the Wean Park Complex. The parade will begin at the corner of South Ave. and Front Street downtown Youngstown. It will proceed westbound on Front St., making its way to the Wean Park/Covelli Centre parking lot where festival activities will already be underway.

WHEN IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN'S FESTIVAL?

The 2024 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown Festival is Saturday, September 21, 2024, directly after the Parade (12P parade start).

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

You MUST apply for consideration to join ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown. Typically we offer space at a per-event rate, and can fluctuate depending on a few variables, including but not limited to: booth size (8×8 or 10×10), number of spots you are interested in (discounts avail.), and possible add-on services (booth placement, product & brand photography, business services, social media priority, national exposure, permitting assistance, etc). Vendors are expected to supply their own, tables (8ft. max), and chairs. Our 2024 date of 9/21 is out now, click HERE to apply.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

We welcome you to fill out our Sept., 21, 2024 application. As you apply, let’s review what makes for an amazing Hola Fest application. Here’s some of what we look for.

Accurate info. We’re amazed by the number of applications we receive compared to the space we have. For that we are thankful. But that makes each application that much more vital in terms of being accurate and informative. Incomplete applications, dead end links, and/or typos in your email address/website can delay your application by days, even weeks, until it’s resolved. Please review your application before submitting it.
Proper Setup. It is the responsibility of the brand/business owner to have the proper local, state and/or federal licensing, insurance coverage and/or sales tax info necessary to operate. Applicable law adherence is the responsibility of the business as well.
A vibrant brand. We already believe in your dreams and in your vision to build a strong brand. It must be built around an amazing product for others to be drawn to enjoy it. Ensure you’re brand is just that – a brand that others can patron without reservation.
A league of your own. Some vendor categories are extremely competitive; (i.e. jewelry, art, etc.). We are committed to delivering amazing experiences. We have a specific curated look that we’re after. There are those who fit within our scope and those who do not. Please don’t hesitate to apply but know that all who apply may not be approved.
Quality pics. A picture is word a thousand words (and could impact your application). We know you’re amazing, so make sure we can tell that from the visuals we see of your brand. It goes a long way.
Infectious attitude. We hear it all of the time. “People in Youngstown are so nice. People are our lifeblood. We need vendors that appreciate people. Period. That’s how you build a brand. One smile at a time!

YOU MEAN THERE ARE FESTIVAL RULES?

You should know that by submitting this application you agree to the terms found herein. Our  application is just that, an application for consideration. Not all vendors who apply will be accepted to participate.

SAFETY: Due to the current local, state, CDC and health department guidelines there are protocols in place for applicants and shoppers of the market.

SPACE: Standard vendor spaces are the equivalent of either an 8’x8′ or a 10’x10′ outdoor spot.

Vendors can, if deemed necessary by ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown, purchase a larger space if available. Each vendor is responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, and display surfaces. No booth sharing. Each potential applicant must apply individually and be accepted to participate as such. Approved vendors will be assigned a set up time and method. Note that ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown is not responsible for any damage or theft of personal belongings or merchandise, or loss of any product due to external factors. Please be careful and responsible for your area.

We require that vendors carry their own liability insurance. Any accidents, harm or damage caused by a vendor or their product, goods or services will be the responsibility of that vendor. ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown is not responsible for any personal injury during our events.

VENDOR FEES: Upon application review and acceptance for participation, vendors will be required to pay the appropriate vendor fee by a date to be specified on the notification of acceptance. If you are interested in being both a vendor and a web sponsor, please let us know via email and we can send you current rates. All confirmed/paid vendors will be eligible to be listed and linked to on the ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown website.

REFUNDS: Once your application is approved/accepted and fees are paid, refunds for vendors fees will NOT be given under any circumstance.  NO ELECTRICITY is available. It will only be provided, if available, to approved vendors for whom it is critical. Those vendors may be charged an additional fee to connect to power. ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown has the right to deny your participation in any or all of the events at any time. Should there be reason to revoke your acceptance prior to the day of the event, a full refund will be given unless any of the guidelines stated here have not been followed.

CANCELLATION OF BOOTH SPOT: ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown reserves the right to dismiss any vendor from any event.

MEDIA RELEASE/CONSENT: I, the undersigned, do hereby release all rights or claims in connection with the photo(s)/videotape in which I appear, for use by ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown and all sponsors. I understand that the photo(s)/videotape, if used, will be for the promotional purpose of assisting future ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown events. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photos and/or advertising copy. All photographs, negatives and videotapes shall constitute the sole property of ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown. I declare that I am of legal age and authorized on behalf of the entity applying for consideration in ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown, to contractually enter into the agreement herein contained.

PARADE FAQ’S

WHAT IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN?

¡Hola Fest! is the largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Youngstown, Ohio, highlighting (H)ispanic (O)r (L)atin (A)merican (HOLA) culture and all its diversity. For the 1st annual experience, we are in-person and featuring nationally recognized entertainers and celebrating the heritage of 15 Latin American countries with Hispanics of all backgrounds and ages.

  • We are a parade. We are a festival.
  • We offer parade participation. We offer vendor space. Both are based on a curated, thoroughly reviewed, application process.
  • Those we partner with must be related to the Hispanic / Latin Culture.

¡Hola Fest! is dedicated to local & regional cultural vendors. We hand select the best vendors in town to ensure each of them have a true passion for making a vibrant community of professionals/peers and investing in the economic growth of the Youngstown community.

When you’re ready, apply here.

WHERE IS HOLA FEST YOUNGSTOWN HAPPENING?

We’ve got a home in downtown Youngstown at the Wean Park Complex. The parade will begin at the corner of South Ave. and Front Street downtown Youngstown. It will proceed westbound on Front St., making its way to the Wean Park/Covelli Centre parking lot where festival activities will already be underway.

WHEN IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN'S PARADE?

The 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown Parade is Saturday, September 23, 2023, prior to the Festival (12P parade start on South Ave. & Front Street, downtown Youngstown).

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

The 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown Parade typically offers space to those looking to show support for the Hispanic community. Presently, we prohibit soliciting, marketing, promoting, advertising, campaigning through parade participation. This is a Cultural Celebration facilitated by bands, floats, dancers, community organizations, safety services, residents and more. 2023 application are out now, click HERE to apply.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

We welcome you to fill out our 2023 application. As you apply, let’s review what makes for an amazing 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown application. Here’s some of what we look for.

Accurate info. We’re amazed by the number of applications we receive compared to the space we have. For that we are thankful. But that makes each application that much more vital in terms of being accurate and informative. Incomplete applications, dead end links, and/or typos in your email address/website can delay your application by days, even weeks, until it’s resolved. Please review your application before submitting it.
Proper Setup. It is the responsibility of the brand/business owner to have the proper local, state and/or federal licensing, insurance coverage and/or sales tax info necessary to operate. Applicable law adherence is the responsibility of the business as well.
A vibrant brand. We already believe in your dreams and in your vision to build a strong brand. It must be built around an amazing product for others to be drawn to enjoy it. Ensure you’re brand is just that – a brand that others can patron without reservation.
A league of your own. Some vendor categories are extremely competitive; (i.e. jewelry, art, etc.). We are committed to delivering amazing experiences. We have a specific curated look that we’re after. There are those who fit within our scope and those who do not. Please don’t hesitate to apply but know that all who apply may not be approved.
Quality pics. A picture is word a thousand words (and could impact your application). We know you’re amazing, so make sure we can tell that from the visuals we see of your brand. It goes a long way.
Infectious attitude. We hear it all of the time. “People in Youngstown are so nice. People are our lifeblood. We need vendors that appreciate people. Period. That’s how you build a brand. One smile at a time!

YOU MEAN THERE ARE PARADE RULES?

You should know that by submitting this application you agree to the terms found herein. Our  application is just that, an application for consideration. Not all parade applicants who apply will be accepted to participate.

SAFETY: Due to the current local, state, CDC and health department guidelines there are protocols in place for applicants and shoppers of the market.

SPACE: We will review submissions based off of standard vehicles, floats, golf carts or approved larger buses, trucks/trailers .

Parade parties can, if deemed necessary by the ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown, request a larger parade space if available. Each approved parade participant is responsible for providing their own setup. Each potential parade applicant must apply individually and be accepted to participate as such. Approved parade participant will be assigned a set up time and method. Note that ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown is not responsible for any damage or theft of personal belongings or merchandise, or loss of any product due to external factors. Please be careful and responsible for your area.

We require that parade participants carry their own liability insurance. Any accidents, harm or damage caused by a vendor or their product, goods or services will be the responsibility of that vendor. ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown is not responsible for any personal injury during our events.

PARADE ENTRY FEES: Upon application review and acceptance for participation, parade participants will be required to pay the appropriate vendor fee by a date to be specified on the notification of acceptance. If you are interested in being both a vendor and a parade participant, please submit to both the parade and festival application. All confirmed/paid vendors will be eligible to be listed and linked to on the ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown website.

REFUNDS: Once your application is approved/accepted and fees are paid, refunds for parade participants fees will NOT be given under any circumstance.  NO ELECTRICITY is available. It will only be provided, if available, to approved vendors for whom it is critical. Those vendors may be charged an additional fee to connect to power. ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown has the right to deny your participation in any or all of the events at any time. Should there be reason to revoke your acceptance prior to the day of the event, a full refund will be given unless any of the guidelines stated here have not been followed.

CANCELLATION OF PARADE SPOT: ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown reserves the right to dismiss any vendor from any event.

MEDIA RELEASE/CONSENT: I, the undersigned, do hereby release all rights or claims in connection with the photo(s)/videotape in which I appear, for use by The ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown and all sponsors. I understand that the photo(s)/videotape, if used, will be for the promotional purpose of assisting future ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown events. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photos and/or advertising copy. All photographs, negatives and videotapes shall constitute the sole property of ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown. I declare that I am of legal age and authorized on behalf of the entity applying for consideration in the ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown, to contractually enter into the agreement herein contained.

PAGEANT FAQ’S

WHAT IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN?

¡Hola Fest! is the largest Hispanic Heritage celebration in Youngstown, Ohio, highlighting (H)ispanic (O)r (L)atin (A)merican (HOLA) culture and all its diversity. For this inaugural experience, we are in-person and featuring nationally recognized entertainers and celebrating the heritage of 15 Latin American countries with Hispanics of all backgrounds and ages.

  • We are a parade. We are a festival.
  • We offer parade participation. We offer vendor space. Both are based on a curated, thoroughly reviewed, application process.
  • Those we partner with must be related to the Hispanic / Latin Culture.

¡Hola Fest! is dedicated to local & regional cultural vendors. We hand select the best vendors in town to ensure each of them have a true passion for making a vibrant community of professionals/peers and investing in the economic growth of the Youngstown community.

When you’re ready, apply here.

WHERE IS HOLA FEST YOUNGSTOWN HAPPENING?

We’ve got a home in downtown Youngstown at the Wean Park Complex. The parade will begin at the corner of South Ave. and Front Street downtown Youngstown. It will proceed westbound on Front St., making its way to the Wean Park/Covelli Centre parking lot where festival activities will already be underway.

WHEN IS ¡HOLA FEST! YOUNGSTOWN'S PAGEANT?

The 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown Pageant is Saturday, September 23, 2023, prior to the Festival (12P parade start on South Ave. & Front Street, downtown Youngstown).

HOW CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE?

The 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown Pageant is open to culturally representing, area school youth, aged 3-18 years old (age groups exist). 2023 application are out now, click HERE to apply.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

We welcome you to fill out our 2023 pageant application. As you apply, let’s review what makes for an amazing 2023 ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown application. Here’s some of what we look for.

Accurate info. Infectious attitude. Ready to culturally represent!

YOU MEAN THERE ARE PAGEANT RULES?

You should know that by submitting this application you agree to the terms found herein. Our  application is just that, an application for consideration. Not all pageant applicants who apply will be accepted to participate.

SAFETY: Due to the current local, state, CDC and health department guidelines there are protocols in place for applicants and shoppers of the market.

SPACE: We will review submissions based off of standard vehicles, floats, golf carts or approved larger buses, trucks/trailers .

Each potential pageant applicant, with parent/guardian permission, must apply individually and be accepted to participate as such. Approved parade participant will be assigned a set up time and method. Note that ¡Hola Fest! Youngstown is not responsible for any damage or theft of personal belongings or merchandise, or loss of any product due to external factors. Please be careful and responsible for your area.

We require that pageant participant applicant’s, Parent/Guardian must read and understand that their child is required to sell Festival Raffle tickets. Pageant participants must also understand that the child will need a formal gown for pageant. In addition, you must understand that the child will partake in the Hola Fest Youngstown Parade and will need to ride on an Hola Fest Float or have access to a vehicle with a sunroof or be a convertible so that my child is seen during the parade. It is the participant’s responsibility to sell the tickets and bring back all monies raised, to the committee no later than 3pm on Friday, September 8th.

Parent/Guardian must read statement:

I, and the named individuals in the application above, agree to abide by the rules and regulations set by Hola Fest Youngstown. I understand that violations of the rules and regulations, or misrepresentation of information on this form, may result in restriction, revocation, reduction or loss of program privileges without refund.

WAIVER AND RELEASE: I hereby waive and release Hola Fest Youngstown, its officers, agents and employees, from and against any claims, suits, losses, or related causes of action for damages, including attorney’s fees and court costs, that may result from injury or death, accidental or otherwise, during, or arising from my child’s participation in the Hola Fest Parade and Pageant, including transportation to and from activities associated with the event, and any resulting illness and/or injury, and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hola Fest Youngstown from and against any and all such claims.