Fun, food, fireworks and talent highlight event

One woman with three children said it was nice to see people walking downtown.
By ED RUNYAN
VINDICATOR staff writer
YOUNGSTOWN -- To walk it or drive? That seemed to be the question for many families trying out First Night Youngstown for the first time Saturday night.
The afternoon- and evening-long New Year's Eve event at locations downtown and on the edge of the Youngstown State University campus seemed to overcome some rainy weather, providing family entertainment to those who showed a sense of adventure.
Some, however, were a little unsure of how to get around the 17 locations in a six-square block area, especially those who were a little unfamiliar with downtown.
"We've been walking," said Mike Parker of Champion as he stood inside the Public Library of Youngstown & amp; Mahoning County with his three kids and two of their friends, ranging in age from 4 to 11.
"We couldn't find a parking place near the Phar-Mor Centre," said his wife, Tessa. So they parked near the building -- now known as 20 Federal Place -- and got some exercise.
The kids enjoyed making hats and noisemakers at the library and planned to use them when they were to watch the fireworks at the Chevrolet Centre.
Buses and trolleys also were running between the sites for free. Features that helped First Night families get around were wood-fueled burn barrels marking most locations -- and maps.
Poland family's day
Poland resident Linda Modic, inside the library around 7 p.m., said the day had been great fun overall, especially for her 5-year-old daughter, Brianna, as they had started out the afternoon by seeing the Disney On Ice show at the Chevrolet Centre.
"The monkey waved at me," Brianna said, wearing her newly made hat. "They did 'The Lion King,' 'The Jungle Book,'" she said, delighted.
"I'm so glad it's there," Modic said of the Chevrolet Centre. She added that she thought the First Night events are a "great idea" and said she was happy to see people walking downtown again.
Linda said she, her husband, Bret, daughters Brianna and Jenna, 12, and friend Abbie Frank, also 12, had gone to the laser show at the Ward Beecher Planetarium before the library and were hoping to stay for fireworks at 9 p.m.
They started out walking but had the car with them at the library.
Meanwhile, Federal Plaza director Claire Maluso participated in the opening ceremonies and teen talent show at the building, telling the audience that more than 80,000 people would be attending activities downtown in a 10-day period that started last Wednesday. She said that number comes from counting the 10 sold-out Disney On Ice shows and hockey games at the Chevrolet Centre.
"We've had a busy day," she added, saying that new Mayor Jay Williams spent 21/2 hours in a reception line after his swearing-in ceremonies on Central Square. She said the city could become more popular as planned condominiums or apartments begin to materialize.
"We're on our way back," Maluso said. "If you look at the Chevrolet Centre, it's a full house. All our clubs are open. There's something for everyone."
Miss Ohio
First Night organizers got a lot for their money when they invited Miss Ohio Marlia Fontaine of Massillon to open festivities. She not only performed and participated in the opening ceremonies, but stayed afterward to act as master of ceremonies for the teen talent contest.
Also performing was Elyse Healey of Canfield, a YSU student who is Miss Stark County. She will compete for Miss Ohio this June.
Rozz Chapman, one of the organizers of the talent show, said all of the participants were from the area. "We'll do it every year," she said.
The winners are Hannah Gossett, first, $300; Jaclyn Hodus, second, $200; and Antonia Mwankwo, third, $100.
Canfield also held its ninth annual First Night event Saturday night, and Salem held its second annual First Night event to kick off its Bicentennial Celebration.
runyan@vindy.com