Council will consider funds for First Night

Without the city’s
contribution, the event
will be ‘cut way down.’

By DAVID SKOLNICK

CITY HALL REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — City council will consider a request next week to provide nearly half the funding First Night Youngstown needs to put on its annual event.

Without the city money, the event would “have to cut way down on the entertainment,” said the Rev. Edward Noga, the event’s vice president and pastor of Youngstown’s St. Patrick Church.

The city previously had given $5,000 to First Night for its midnight fireworks show that concludes the New Year’s Eve celebration.

But three times that amount is needed by First Night from the city this year. FEIC Financial Inc. had given $10,000 annually between 2004 and 2006 to First Night, but not this year.

“We approached other businesses, but were unsuccessful” in getting the $10,000, Father Noga said.

The total cost of the alcohol-free, family-oriented First Night is $31,600, with entertainment making up about $22,000 of that amount, he said.

To date, First Night has raised $14,000. If it gets the $15,000 from the city, it expects to make up the rest of the $31,600 through the sale of buttons needed to be admitted to First Night events.

Buttons are $10 for adults, $5 for students and admission is free for those 12 and younger.

While she praised the event as a “great thing,” and said she loves First Night, Councilwoman Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th, was “unsure if council will give the money.”

The $15,000 request will be considered Wednesday by city council.

About 2,000 to 2,500 people typically attend the First Night event in downtown Youngstown. Entertainment for the upcoming event is planned at 15 venues as long as the funding is obtained, Father Noga said.

Last year, city council initially voted against giving $5,000 to First Night with council members saying the funding request didn’t come until a few weeks before the event; something First Night officials contended was incorrect. Council had a special meeting five days before First Night and changed its decision.

First Night sent letters in August to city officials about the $15,000 request for the upcoming event. Council members didn’t discuss the request in an open session until a Nov. 19 finance committee meeting.

skolnick@vindy.com