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Hola Fest organizers ask Youngstown for funding after sponsorship shortfalls
Summary
Hola Fest Youngstown reported about 4,000 attendees and roughly $27,500 in vendor sales at its recent event and requested city discretionary funding to keep the festival free after some sponsors dropped out amid anti-immigrant sentiment.
David Labra, vice president of the board of Hola Fest Youngstown, told council the third annual Hola Fest attracted roughly 4,000 attendees and preliminary vendor sales of about $27,500. "I'm here on behalf of Hola Fest requesting financial support for our continued years and to allow us to host this free event for the public," Labra said on Sept. 17.
Labra said this year was particularly difficult because some prior sponsors withdrew, which he attributed to public sentiment around immigration. Councilman Oliver praised the event and indicated he would support discretionary funding and encouraged other council members to do the same.
Labra offered to follow up individually with council members by email and asked that the city consider financial help to preserve the festival as a free community celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month.
