Trolley riders invited to explore Youngstown during Spring Fest
Waiting for the trolley, which will transport them throughout the downtown area during the Spring Fest, are members of the Mahoning Commons Association, in front, from left, Annie Gilliam, Youngstown City Council; Marcy Applegate, Artists of the Mahoning Commons; Todd Hancock, Easy Street Productions; and Mary Farragher, Calvin Center; and, in back, Sharon Letson, Youngstown CityScape; Keith Kaiser, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park; the Rev. George Dunbar, Rockview Christian Church; Jacob Harver, Lemon Grove Café; Lynn Caldwell, Artists of the Mahoning Commons; Bill Lawson, Mahoning Valley Historical Society; and Chris and Michael Golec (holding Cayden Golec) of Jubilee Limousine.
YOUNGSTOWN
Mahoning Commons Spring Fest on April 30 and May 1 will provide residents of the Mahoning Valley with an opportunity to enjoy food, fun and art while exploring the Mahoning Commons Area and downtown Youngstown.
During the event a trolley will shuttle patrons from Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park to the Lemon Grove Caf in the downtown area between noon and 5 p.m. both days. Stops will be made at a variety of businesses along the way. Some of the venues will have extended hours during the fest.
The trolley ride is free, and riders will have a chance to enter their names in a drawing for a basket of items donated by the businesses. Organizers in the art community have created festivals in the Mahoning Commons area twice a year.
Participating local artists include Artists of the Rust Belt and Artists of the Mahoning Commons. There also will be food, musicians, hand-crafted beer, horticulture and shopping opportunities.
On Sunday, festgoers are encouraged to make their final stop at Fellows Riverside Gardens to view the tulip display and the gallery exhibit, and to attend a free performance by Ballet Western Reserve at 3 p.m.
The event was inspired by the popularity of the biannual Artists of the Mahoning Commons Open Studio Sale at the Ward Bakery building.