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Celebration offers something for everyone
By Elise Franco
Youngstown
Music, dancing, fireworks, food, family and fun — it’s what makes First Night Youngstown the ultimate something-for- everyone New Year’s Eve celebration.
In its 11th year, the family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration drew people from all over the Mahoning Valley out by the hundreds.
The final tally of admission buttons sold wasn’t available Friday night, but FNY volunteers said people were flowing in and out of the headquarters throughout the evening buying the buttons.
Early in the evening, people gathered at 20 Federal Place to watch the groups Harambee dance to and play traditional African music.
The group of about 30 girls in African dress raised the energy level inside Federal Place with their fast dance moves and drum beats.
Linda Warino of Canfield said she came to watch her husband’s band Classic Cruisers play but wanted to check out the dancers beforehand.
“This type of entertainment is exciting,” she said. “We came early to watch, and the dancing and music is very beautiful.”
Steven Sipus, a FNY volunteer working inside Federal Place, said the event really does have something that everyone will like.
“The venues are so versatile,” he said. “You have things like the African dancing, Wild West show, magic and comedy acts.”
The event featured musical acts such as County Mayo, an Irish folk group; Jones for Revival, a jam band; and Conjunto Riquena, playing Latin music.
Sipus, of Boardman, said he planned to check out some of the comedy skits as well as “old school” rock ’n’ roll bands.
He said it’s important to know that First Night Youngstown has as many activities for children as it does for adults — and some activities that everyone can enjoy together.
One such activity is the horse-drawn carriage ride that takes passengers up then back down East Federal Street.
Sandy Best and her husband, James, of Farmdale, Ohio, operate Best Horse Carriage and have been a downtown staple at First Night Youngstown for 10 years, Sandy Best said.
“The carriage rides are always popular,” she said. “People love horses, and it just attracts them.”
Jim Canacci, of Youngstown, said he brought his family downtown Friday night to check out venues such as the Arms Family Museum, ice skating at the Covelli Centre and an early fireworks show.
“We always like to support downtown, and this event has so many kid-friendly things we can do,” he said. “We’ve really enjoyed all the things they’ve had to offer.”
Jen Huston of Boardman said she and her two sons, age 3 and 10, also enjoyed the fireworks display and spent time ice skating.
“It’s hard to find stuff for families to do on New Year’s Eve because everything seems to be centered around partying,” she said. “This event is great, and we’ve had a really good time.”