Bar dash, street fest and fireworks will light up downtown

YOUNGSTOWN

Two events will keep the Downtown area hopping Saturday before the evening culminates in a free fireworks display.

The third annual Independence Day Dash and the Caf Cimmento Street Fest will both begin at 5 p.m.

The city’s fireworks show will punctuate the evening at around 10 p.m. The fireworks will originate from the Covelli Centre parking lot, and families can relax on the lawn in front of the arena.

The East Boardman Street parking deck will be open, as will the surface lots on Front Street. The rear parking lot of Covelli Centre will be closed, however. Cars that park there will be towed.

Registration for the Downtown Dash will begin at 5 p.m. in Central Square, and participants must bring identification.

The cost is $3, with all revenue going to the Youngstown Arts and Entertainment District Association.

Participants in the Dash can go to any or all of 15 participating bars and restaurants, most of which will be offering food or drink specials. They include: The Royal Oaks, Cassese’s MVR, The Youngstown Club, The End of the Tunnel, Caf Cimmento, Downtown Buffalo Wild Wings, The Love Lounge, Barleys, Downtown 36, The Old Precinct, Rosetta Stone, The Lemon Grove, The Draught House, Frieda’s and the Box Car Lounge.

Participants will get a map of the locations when they register.

The first 300 people who return to Central Square after 9 p.m. with their maps signed or stamped by at least five of the locations will receive a free Downtown Dash T-shirt.

The Caf Cimmento Street Fest will be outside at the restaurant-bar at 120 E. Boardman St. It will feature food and wine vendors and a full slate of live music. The schedule is as follows:

Something For Lucy, 5:15 p.m.; LJ Fortier, 6:15 p.m.; Punk Willie, 7:15 p.m.; Julius Veal, 8:15 p.m.; and Geo C and Tha Storm, 9 p.m.