City’s Central Square closed to prepare for Italian Fest

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The city’s Central Square closed Wednesday to give vendors for the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest, taking place there starting Friday, enough time to set up, a city official said.

The festival is the biggest outdoor event in the city’s downtown, and more time is needed for water and electricity connections and for vendors to set up their tents, said Lyndsey Hughes, the city’s downtown director of events, special projects and marketing.

Typically, the city closes the Central Square area a day before a downtown festival, she said.

“But with the size of this event, it’s safer for people putting up tents and for drivers,” Hughes said.

The event runs from Friday to Sunday.

Those needing to drive in that area are urged to turn on to Front or Commerce streets, depending on the direction they’re traveling.