Holiday cheer comes to city

By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Santa Claus came to town Saturday evening, his visit leaving some local residents both delighted and disappointed.
People said they were happy to watch Santa travel through downtown in Saturday's holiday parade with local veterans and safety officers, businesses and bands. But they also expressed disappointment that more people didn't come downtown for the event.
"There should have been more here," said Boardman resident Mike Kocjancic. His 12-year-old son Adam, who marched in the parade with his fencing class from A.E. Vea Karate in Youngstown, added, "I didn't think there was enough people.
"But the people that were here, they were active."
The scene: About 500 local residents lined the parade route, which traveled from Rayen Avenue along Fifth Avenue, Commerce Street and Market Street before ending in front of Federal Plaza. More than 50 groups participated in the 20-minute parade.
Tamica Green, the city's Federal Plaza director, noted that the attendance was much larger than that at last year's downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony. About 20 people had attended that tree lighting, Green said.
The lights on this year's downtown Christmas tree, in Federal Plaza, were turned on at a ceremony after the parade. Many people who attended the parade also watched the lighting ceremony.
Green said she feels this year's attendance at the parade and the tree lighting shows that many people are interested in improving downtown.
"There's a sense of commitment, there's a sense of coming together. That's what we need," she said.
Return: Several years have passed since a holiday parade was held downtown. Green said she wanted this year's parade to draw people downtown from the suburbs.
"We've got to get the downtown area back alive," added Mike Kocjancic.
Frank Sole of Youngstown said he believes some local residents didn't want to attend Saturday's parade because they have a negative perception of downtown.
"I think they missed a good parade," Sole said.
Sole said he was pleased that young people from several different areas participated in the parade.
Music: Paul Fitzpatrick of New Middletown added that he enjoyed the bands and the music.
Mary Ann Bryant of Liberty said she felt the parade gave local residents a chance to have fun, relax and take a brief break from the troubles facing the country.
"It's so important that people come out and enjoy themselves," said Bryant, who added she was " a little disappointed" by the attendance.
Santa, who was portrayed by volunteer Bill Dick of Salem, said he felt the attendance was "good for the first time."
"A tradition starts slow and it will build," he said. "Hopefully this will, too."
Green said she expects that a holiday parade will be held downtown next year.
hill@vindy.com