Mexican American Hip Hop Festival expects big draw in Perrsyburg

8/13/2014
BY MATT THOMPSON
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Juan Viveros, a cook with El Sabor Mexicano, center, hands a plate of food to a customer during last year's Mexican-American Festival.
Juan Viveros, a cook with El Sabor Mexicano, center, hands a plate of food to a customer during last year's Mexican-American Festival.

More than 10,000 people are expected to visit the Perrysburg Heights Community Center the weekend of Aug. 29 and 30 for the Mexican American Hip Hop Festival.

Friday’‍s events will be similar to festivals in years past with free admission from 5 p.m. on for the bands, food vendors. The $7 kid zone includes seven inflatable bouncy-house type activities. Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. will be a hip-hop festival  featuring Naughty By Nature, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Coolio.

Coolio, who is best known for the popular “Gangsters Paradise,” and Grammy winners Naughty By Nature are expecting to bring in big crowds. Jason Craig, Perrysburg Heights Community Association treasurer and director of operations is hoping for 5,000 to 7,000 people Saturday night.

Along with the crowds come security concerns.

“We’‍re going to get extra help,” Mr. Craig said. “It is just as important to have protection off the grounds as it is on. It should be a safe, fun event.”

Extra help, Mr. Craig said, will include 30 officers from local jurisdictions, and 25 guards from a private security firm. He estimated paying around $20,000 in all for security purposes.

Pre-sale tickets for Saturday‘‍s show are $20, and $30 at the door. Special VIP tickets for $100 allow fans to meet the bands. Mr. Craig is expecting $50,000 to $60,000 in revenue for the community center, which would just about equal the center’‍s operation costs for a year. 

The Perrysburg Heights Community Center is near State Rt. 25 and Roachton Road. 

“We’‍re hoping everyone comes out, enjoys the music, and goes home,” said Township Deputy Chief Michael Gilmore. “I hope we have a bunch of bored police officers.”

Friday’‍s performers will include Paragon, Grupo Dezeo, Xplozivo, and Los Hermanos Villegas. Mr. Craig is hoping for 3,000-5,000 people to visit.

Food vendors for the whole weekend include American barbecue and Latino food choices. The festival also has an alcohol permit.

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.