Hope Fest, a free community event meant to provide teenagers and families fun as summer kicks off, returns Saturday at Riverside Park in the special events area near Riverside Stadium.
This is the seventh year for Hope Fest, put on by local nonprofit Teens Grounded, with the aim of providing teens a space to enjoy themselves with their peers with various activities, games and musical entertainment.
“Here in Victoria, we see a lot of young people battle with their mental health,” said Jodi Sandoval, Teens Grounded founder and executive director. “We just wanted to create a day that we can say that young people matter, that teenagers are important. They are valued and seen in our community. This was a way for us to not just say it but do something about it.”
Last year, Hope Fest saw about 1,000 people turn out, and Sandoval expects to see a similar turnout this year.
The one-day event will feature a foam party, olleyball tournament, 7on7 flag football tournament, water slides, inflatables, food trucks and more, she said.
“We basically have the tournaments running throughout the day,” Sandoval said.
Those interested in participating in the tournaments are encouraged to register ahead of time so brackets can be built and play can start promptly, she said.
Hope Fest will also feature Christian music performers Bryann Trejo, KG Santiago and Da Young Disciples, WHATUPRG and Nation of Believers.
Musical performances are expected to start at 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday, Sandoval said.
“I’m really excited about this year,” she said.
The event is also looking for last-minute volunteers to help with some remaining responsibilities at the festival, Sandoval said. Those interested in volunteering can sign up on the Hope Fest website.
“Most of the time when there are events in Victoria, they aren’t geared towards youth. What happens is we invite people into our world and this is a day where it is all about them,” she said. “We really encourage families to come and just be a part of the teen world for a little bit.”
Hope Fest 2023
