hispanic festival Details

Santa Rosa de Lima Church, 394 Tenney Ave., Campbell, will have its annual festival Thursday through Sunday. Activities start at 6 nightly. The church, also known as St. Rose Church, moved from its previous location at 50 Struthers-Coitsville Road, Youngstown, to Campbell, where it shares the church and facilities with St. Lucy. The Rev. Gerald DeLucia is pastor of St. Rose, and Monsignor John Ashton, pastor of St. Lucy. “St. Lucy’s members have been very supportive of our festival,” said Father DeLucia.

Thursday: An outdoor Mass is planned at 5 p.m. Youth Idol Night will be at 7 p.m. when pre-registered contestants 18 years and older will perform. Judges will determine the top five, who will compete for three winning places Aug. 9. At the second performance, winners will be selected by the audience. Deadline to register is Aug. 4. A local disc jockey will play Hispanic music. “We wanted to dedicate a day to youth,” said Reyno Esparro, who is co-chairman of the festival with his wife, Nancy. “It involves them and they can appreciate what we do,” he said. “Last year we had a mix of rock, ballads and Broadway. ... There was outstanding talent,” he said.

“It was wonderful. People enjoyed it so much,” Nancy Esparro said. “It was a huge success. It also involves our youth so they can continue this legacy of the festival.”

Friday: Conjunto Rique ±a, a Puerto Rican ensemble led by Felipe Gonzalez, director of music at St. Rose, will perform. Crowning of the festival queen is scheduled at 7 p.m. A local DJ will play Hispanic music.

Saturday: Piel Canela of Erie, Pa., will perform multiple sets starting at 7 p.m. The name of the all-female merengue band means “cinnamon skin”.

Sunday: Sun-Banda Dura of Cleveland, a merengue band, will perform starting at 7 p.m.

Daily: Hispanic foods, games and Kids Korner, which will include face-painting.