FIRST NIGHT 2004 More events for kids planned

A 'Graffiti Bomb' at the Youngstown City Hall Annex should appeal to kids.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Maybe it's only appropriate that if a baby is a symbol for the new year, First Night Youngstown 2004 focuses on the kids.
Events aimed at youth are the newest feature this year at First Night, the family-oriented, alcohol-free arts and entertainment event downtown on New Year's Eve.
Foremost is a new 9 p.m. fireworks display scheduled between the Market Street and South Avenue bridges.
The midnight fireworks show, in the same spot, remains after the traditional ball drop from Home Savings and Loan. But the 9 p.m. show is for those whose bedtime falls before the clock strikes 12, especially those age 6 to 9.
"We have a lot of little ones. Not all the kids make it to midnight," said Bob Barko, First Night events coordinator.
The early show won't be as long as the regular fireworks display, but the kids should enjoy seeing it before they head to bed, Barko said.
First Night events start at 6 p.m., but one activity starts an hour earlier to accommodate kids.
'Graffiti Bomb'
A mural project called the "Graffiti Bomb" starts at 5 p.m. at the city hall annex at Market and Front streets. Kids can contribute to a mural being painted inside the building, which already has several works on its walls.
Kids can put their handprints on the wall in paint and write their hopes and dreams for the future around their works, Barko said.
"It's a very uplifting, positive project," he said.
Youngstown 2010 volunteers came up with the idea. The First Night event is just the start of an ongoing campaign to stencil the group's logo around the city next year, Barko said. Youngstown 2010 is the process for developing a comprehensive plan for the city's future.
New this year, too, will be use of the Students Motivated by the Arts space at Edward W. Powers Auditorium. SMARTS is an arts center on the upper floors of Powers for after-school and weekend music, dance, drama and visual arts classes for school-age children.
There, members of the Youngstown State University Art Association will guide kids in making crafts and playing drums, among other activities, Barko said.
Also, hands-on arts and crafts activities, a storyteller, a magician and children performing Irish step dancing all will be featured early in the evening around downtown for kids, he said.
The annual kids coloring contest should reach more children this year, Barko said. Previously, First Night passed out coloring forms in schools. This year, the forms will be included in First Night's special supplement in the Christmas Day Vindicator and be distributed throughout the newspaper's circulation area, he said.
Maturing event
First Night is able to focus on kids this year because in its fourth year, the organization is maturing, Barko said.
For example, this year marks the first time the First Night organization had performers asking to be part of the event instead of having to seek out musicians and other artists, he said. That left time to look at alternatives such as kids events, he said.
A new partnership this year with Giant Eagle is expected to draw more than the 2,200 people attending last year, Barko said.
Giant Eagle is selling First Night Youngstown buttons at its Mahoning and Trumbull county locations. Those who buy their buttons at Giant Eagle can get $1 off the cost of each by showing their Advantage Card.
The buttons also are on sale at the First Night office in the Wick building downtown and at the mayor's office.
The cost for adults is $8, and $5 for seniors. The cost is $5 for students beginning with age 13 through college. Those 12 years old and under are free.
Warren event canceled
First Night is counting on drawing some people who have attended a similar event in Warren, which was canceled after a 15-year run. Some performers who used to spend their New Year's Eve in Warren will be in Youngstown this year, Barko said.
Major downtown buildings will be lighted up, and combined with 25,000 white lights hung downtown recently, should make a definite impression, Barko said.
"I think people will be floored," he said.
rgsmith@vindy.com
XListing of First Night entertainment, page D1 in today's Vindicator.