Youngstown holiday parade, tree-lighting, a hit with kids

YOUNGSTOWN — There were moments tonight when the Youngstown Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony downtown was truly magical.

One was when the sound coming down East Federal Street was a multitude of police sirens coming toward Central Square.

Behind the Youngstown police and Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office cruisers and motorcycles making the sound were bands full of drums booming and horns playing to the people lined up along Federal Street.

Many in attendance were children collecting candy canes and other treats as they waited and watched for Santa Claus in their rain ponchos and coats.

Sarah McKimmy of Masury, who was attending the parade with her brother, J.P. McKimmy, her two children and J.P.’s two children, said the parade was a first for her.

“The music, the lights and the children excited to see Santa,” is how Sarah McKimmy ranked the importance of the unfolding events.

“This is something that adds to the spirit of Christmas,” she said as Christmas music was broadcast throughout the square.

Tucker, her 3-year-old son, knew what he would be asking Santa for later inside 20 Federal Place, where other events took place: “A firetruck,” he said.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com