First Night giving down

New events will include a Karaoke contest and ecumenical services downtown.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Even upbeat family events aren't immune to the downturns in donations caused by the weak economy.
Just ask First Night Youngstown, the alcohol-free, family-friendly arts festival held downtown from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve to midnight.
The third annual event faces trimming its budget 20 percent to 30 percent this year if donations don't rise from now to December, said Gemma Sole, president of the event's board of trustees.
Last year, organizers cautioned that fallout from the Sept. 11 attacks could affect donations, and it has.
Donations cut
For example, the cash-strapped city government will provide in-kind services this year, but provide no cash; it gave $15,000 in each of the two previous years. Another main sponsor cut its contribution in half, to $7,500 this year.
The budget for this year will be about $40,000. In the first two years the budget was $50,000 to $60,000.
Despite a possibly smaller event, First Night organizers are optimistic considering two years of solid community support behind them. The community has embraced First Night, so there is no danger of the event disappearing, Sole said. That has happened in some other cities around the country in recent years.
First Night is among the events that people count on for community togetherness that is needed now more than ever, she said.
Scaling back some won't diminish the event, Sole said.
"This isn't going to deter any of our enthusiasm," she said. "We're celebrating family. We're celebrating tradition. We're celebrating the arts."
Logo
Indeed, the logo unveiled Thursday for First Night Youngstown 2003 reflects that spirit.
The logo, which will appear on the admission buttons, features people dancing, and a trio of downtown buildings, fireworks and musical notes in the background. A banner that reads "Celebrate our city" surrounds the dancers. Joyce Bielik, a local artist, designed the logo.
First Night may cut back on some venues and some entertainment, but there still will be plenty to do downtown on New Year's Eve, Sole said.
Besides the usual variety of musical performances, an expanded battle of the bands contest and fireworks, there will be some new attractions. Among the additions will be a Karaoke contest and ecumenical service at downtown churches, Sole said.
There won't be too many other changes.
Prices will hold steady. Buttons will cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Children under 6 are free.
Where to call
Buttons can be bought by calling the First Night office at (330) 742-0445. Buttons will be more widely available in November at the First Night office in the Wick building downtown and branches of National City, Metropolitan and Sky banks.
Security plans won't change, with city police, Youngstown State University officers and Mahoning County deputy sheriffs patrolling downtown.
Another thing that doesn't change is the need for volunteers, both before and during the event. People interested in volunteering can call the First Night office.
rgsmith@vindy.com