First Night forecast pleases organizers


December 30, 2011 at 12:06a.m.

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Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Dry weather with an expected high temperature of 40 degrees is putting First Night Youngstown organizers in high spirits.

“A lot of the venues definitely said they saw an increase in the numbers last year, and I really think that the weather was part of the reason. So this year when I saw the forecast, I was truly excited. I really hope this helps the turnout,” said Lyndsey Hughes, director of downtown events for the city.

Hughes added that First Night Youngstown has a had steady turnout of more than 1,000 people each year. First Night celebrations are family-oriented, alcohol-free events designed to ring in the New Year. Youngstown, Canfield and Salem will have First Night celebrations Saturday.

In Youngstown, two venues have been added: the OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science and Technology on West Federal Street and the Central YMCA on Champion Street.

“I think it says that a lot of these new places that are opening downtown see that the city and other organizations host events that bring potential customers and new clientele into their establishments. With First Night and OH WOW!, there couldn’t be a more perfect union because both cater to families,” Hughes said.

Those venues are among about 20 downtown that will have arts and musical entertainment. First Night Youngstown begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 20 Federal Place.

Admission buttons, good for all venues, are $10 for adults; $5 for students age 13 through college with ID, senior citizens and members of the military with ID; and free for children 12 and under.

Buttons can be purchased at First Night Youngstown headquarters, 20 Federal Place, in the buildings and grounds department office; online at FirstNight YoungstownOH.com and several other locations listed on the website. Fireworks will be at 9 p.m. and midnight at Covelli Centre, which also will be the site of the midnight ball drop.

A complete schedule is available at FirstNight YoungstownOH.com.

Festivities in Salem and Canfield begin at 6 p.m., and more information about each celebration can be found at NewYearsEveSalem.com and Facebook.com by searching “First Night Canfield.”