By John Ostapowicz / The Jambar
The 11th annual Fall Fire Fest at Youngstown State University starts today from 7:30–10:30 p.m. at the M71 lot and will feature live music, a homecoming rally and food trucks.
The event officially kickoffs Homecoming festivities, leading up to the YSU football game at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 against Indiana State University.
Organized by Penguin Productions, the yearly festival offers a way for students to connect with various student organizations, meet the homecoming court and learn more about athletes across several campus sports.
Ally Wright, a senior anthropology major and event lead for Penguin Productions, said the planning process for Fall Fire Fest starts in the summer and a lot goes into the overall preparation for the event.
“There is just so many different teams that I oversee. It’s a lot of work but it’s very interesting to see all of the different people get involved on campus [with Fall Fire Fest],” Wright said.
Activities such as face painting, making caramel apples and fencing will be present at this year’s Fall Fire Fest. Clubs and associations including Student Government Association and Pro-Choice Penguins are just a few of the organizations that will be in attendance.
Live entertainment will be provided by Yacobucci and Madame Marlowe, who are set to play the festival. Both artists played at Federal Frenzy in 2024, but Yacobucci’s musical set was canceled because of inclement weather, which prompted his return to YSU.
This year’s Fall Fire Fest will also prompt the return of a YSU tradition, which Wright said will surprise those in attendance.
“It’s going to be towards the end of the night,” Wright said. “It’s very under wraps, very secretive, but it’s a very well-loved tradition by YSU.”
Erin Driscoll, YSU’s executive director of Student Experience and Residence Life, said the new tradition will combine elements from both Welcome Week and Homecoming festivities.
“For the folks that really show their Penguin spirit, they might have some penguin pride to take home with them that day,” Driscoll said. “You might be a lucky Penguin, who goes home with a Penguin.”
When Fall Fire Fest concludes, Penguin Productions will be preparing for Federal Frenzy 2025.
The event is located on 351 Grant St. at the M71 lot adjacent to the campus McDonald’s. Fall Fire Fest is free and open to the public.
