Criminal Justice Fair set for Youngstown residents

The annual Criminal Justice Fair is open to the entire city, event organizers said.

Special The Vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Northside Weed and Seed will have its third annual Criminal Justice Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday at Heart Reach Ministries, 211 Redondo Road, formerly St. Edward’s School.

At 10 a.m., there will be a forum dealing with “Crime, Youth and Faith-Based” on the second floor of the Heart Reach facility. Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes and Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court will be two of the panelists.

The purpose of the Criminal Justice Fair is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with the various criminal- justice departments, such as law enforcement, prosecutorial, judicial, corrections, etc.

“The Criminal Justice Fair is a way for residents to meet police officers in an informal setting,” said Terri Bryant, Weed and Seed Coordinator. “This is an educational fair but within a fun setting. We need to break down the barrier that exists between police and citizens.”

To assist in transportation, Western Reserve Transit Authority will provide free bus service from downtown Youngstown to Heart Reach. There will be free food and activities for adults and children. DiRusso’s Sausage has donated sausages for the event.

At 2 p.m., city police officers will participate in a doughnut-eating contest. There also will be a drawing every hour to win a Wal-Mart gift card. People can meet the Chick-fil-A cow and win coupons for sandwiches.

The fair is open to the entire city.

For more information, contact Bryant at (330) 717-5218 or (330) 744-9011.