Hispanic Seafair was founded the same year that Marta Font, current co-president of the organization, was born. Since 1980, Hispanic Seafair has been dedicated to offering scholarships to local Latino women. Together with co-president Manuel Rios, of Rios & Cruz Law Office, and Michelle Font, director of the scholarship program, and a host of volunteers, Ms. Font produces a festival that is more than just a good time to be had by all who attend. “I love being involved with an organization that's is growing and continues to support Hispanic women pursue their educational dreams,” she told El Diablito in a recent interview.

Held in the Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheater, sponsors for this year’s festival included Verizon Wireless, Comcast, Univison, El Rey Radio 1360am, and Tu Decides, and featured musical performances by Banda Vagos, Jalapeños Rock en Español, Steelo, Los Alebrestados de Tijuana, Los Hijos de Agüeybaná and Grupo Bayano. “The festival is huge for us, but our purpose is to raise funds for scholarships,” Font said.

Our interview continued as follows.

DBO: What is the purpose behind the Hispanic Seafair Festival?
FONT: The Hispanic Seafair Festival is one of three events held every year. Besides the festival, the organization also has a fundraiser and coronation. The Festival is a celebration for the community. It's an event that brings out families and people of all ages. At the festival we present our Miss Hispanic Seafair with her scholarship and introduce her to the community.

DBO: What are the scholarships comprised of?
FONT: There is one guaranteed major scholarship ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. HSO pays directly to the institution of higher learning that the reigning scholarship queen is attending. In cases where we have more sponsorship available we have also given out $1000, $500 and $300 to runner ups.

DBO: What is the name of this year's Miss Hispanic Seafair?
FONT: Krystal Hernandez

DBO: What other activities are involved in the event?
FONT: We have several elements at our festival…live music, DJ, dancing, food vendors, information booths of services available to people of our community, a free legal clinic, beer garden and activities for children.

DBO: How many people attended this year's event?
FONT: I believe approximately 6,000-7,000 people attended our event on Sunday July 25, 2010

DBO: Is the Hispanic Seafair organization involved in any of the traditional Seafair activities?
FONT: Our Miss Hispanic Seafair is a Seafair princess. She attends and participates at all the required events, we also support to other Seafair activities by attending and volunteering.

DBO: Does Hispanic Seafair have its own "pirates?"
FONT: We do not have our own pirates.

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