Downsized holiday pub run brings big fun for revelers

By Ashley Luthern | July 3, 2011 at 12:01a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Although the fourth annual Independence Day Dash was smaller than in previous years, it still drew many revelers downtown Saturday night.

Joe Cassese, manager of Cassese’s MVR, said downtown business owners were told that with budget cuts, the city government wasn’t able to help promote the event or provide transportation.

“The bars you see on the list participating, credit goes to all of them. They did the legwork,” Cassese said.

The MVR, The Royal Oaks, Imbibe, The Lemon Grove, Downtown 36, Inner Circle, Buffalo Wild Wings and Old Precinct offered drink specials to patrons who had registered for free and received a wrist band at the MVR.

Last year, 17 establishments participated in the dash. Volunteers, such as Angel Carriers, provided transportation this year. Last year the city helped provide transportation.

“Everyone said they were really disappointed when they thought [the dash] wouldn’t happen,” Cassese said. “I’m glad people are taking the time to come into the city and be downtown.”

About 50 people arrived at MVR when registration began at 5:30 p.m. Donations were collected at the registration table for Youngstown State University athletic scholarships. Bill Williams of Vienna and Damien Vernille of Sharon strolled onto the patio of the MVR around 6 p.m.

“It sounded like a good time,” Williams said, adding that this was his first Independence Day Dash.

Both participants said they don’t come to the city very often, but the event drew them downtown.

Cassese said he and the other business owners will review this year’s dash and try to partner with city leaders for the 2012 Independence Day Dash.

“The next dash will have the shirts again,” Cassese said, referring to the T-shirts given as rewards to dash participants.

He added that the Independence Day Dash has another purpose in addition to celebrating 4th of July.

“It’s a unifying event and it brings people downtown from the suburbs,” he said.