YOUNGSTOWN 100 bikers join CityFest crowd to enjoy music, food downtown

CityFest offers music in four locations today.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Some 100 motorcycles roared into the city's downtown Friday evening to join the three-day CityFest observance.
Ron Germadnik of Brookfield rode a 1952 Harley Davidson motorcycle to the event with his neighbor, who only wanted to be identified as Diane, as his passenger. "It's a clone to the movie bike -- the Easy Rider Capt. America movie bike," he said as onlookers admired it.
Area residents "bring life back to downtown" by attending and supporting CityFest, said Germadnik, adding that he found out about the event on a local radio station.
As he spoke, the crowd awaited the appearance of the local rock band, Tangent, on the sidewalk stage outside the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.
"The state of Ohio has the second-largest registration of motorcycles in the continental United States," said Keith McCowin of Liberty, sales manager at Harley Davidson of Youngstown, which sponsored CityFest's Bike Night together with Buffalo Wild Wings. Only California has more registered motorcycles, he added.
"Ohio is a big motorcycling community, and obviously, our [local] community is, as well," he said, referring to the 3,000 or so motorcycles that arrive each Wednesday for the well-established Bike Night at Three by the River in nearby downtown Sharon, Pa.
Likely reasons
"I think it's because we get sick and tired of our winters and want to enjoy the short summers we have," he said, offering an explanation for the popularity of the activity here.
"I just think it's awesome," he said of CityFest. "We need to just keep things going with commerce in our community. We love Youngstown and want to keep business alive here," he added.
With food and craft vendors and rides and games for children, CityFest continues today with the Forte Band performing from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by DJ Liz K from 6 to 9 p.m. and George and Tha Storm from 9 to 10:30 p.m., all at the Federal Plaza Amphitheater.
The B & amp;O Stage will also be busy with Inferno from 2 to 3 p.m. and with Flossy, Infamous Cobb, Maaad Kru, Eclipse, Lucky Penny and Nicole appearing between 3 and 8 p.m.
Saudia, a local rhythm and blues singer, will appear there at 8 p.m., followed by Say What???? from 9 to 10 p.m.
Anthony's on the River will feature DJ Tom Duponty from 6 to 10 p.m.; Cedar's will have the 8 Balls and Derek Deprator at 11 p.m.; and the B.J. Alan Fireworks Co. will launch fireworks at 11 p.m. between the South Avenue and Market Street bridges to conclude the festival.