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The Valley rings it in, First Night style
By joe gorman
youngstown
Downtown was the happening destination for people all over the Mahoning Valley on Tuesday as they chose to ring in the new year with First Night Youngstown.
From free public ice skating at the Covelli Centre to two fireworks displays and ball-dropping ceremonies, those who came said they were drawn to the event because it is safe, family friendly and affordable.
At the Covelli, Wesley Rodocker of Lowellville and his brother, Scott Egan, were celebrating their second New Year’s Eve in the area. The former Floridians said — tongue firmly in cheek — that the holiday is a lot different here from in the Sunshine State because of the weather.
They said they got passes through their work and decided to check it out.
“We thought we’d bring the kids and have some fun,” Egan said.
Tom Macabobby of Canfield was inside checking on his son after he fell on the ice. Macabobby said he likes the variety of things offered for families.
“It seems like a lot more things to do for the family,” Macabobby said.
When asked if he would stay to ring in the new year at midnight, he said probably not, but he was glad for the early fireworks.
“I don’t think the kids will survive until midnight,” Macabobby said. “But I like the nine o’clock fireworks and nine o’clock ball drop.”
Also at the skating venue, Anjelkia Pizzuto of Jackson-Milton High School was lacing up her skates with friends Taylor Tharp, Tyler Jeffries and Tyler Shaffer.
Pizzuto said the four decided on the First Night festivities because it is a safe place to go and was affordable. Shaffer said he likes it because it was a change of pace.
“We wanted something to do instead of just hanging out,” Shaffer said.
Beth Roach of Austintown and her two children also were on hand inside the 20 Federal Place building, where there was music and crafts, after a friend gave her a pass. She had never been to First Night and said she was excited about checking out all the things to do.
“There seems to be a lot of fun stuff going on,” Roach said.
One of the more popular destinations was the OH, WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology across the street from 20 Federal Place. Eric Caton of Cincinnati was there with his four children and his wife, Shannon, a native of Youngstown.
Caton said it is a family tradition to spend New Year’s Eve in Youngstown and the First Night festivities are one of their favorite things to do.
“It’s a family friendly atmosphere and it’s something to give our kids to do on New Year’s,” Caton said.
Bonnie Clower of Vienna was on hand with her husband, Keith, and granddaughter Bella. She said they decided to come because it was a good way to ring in the new year with their granddaughter.
Bella, who will be 9 Saturday, said she was having a good time and told her grandparents it would be hard to leave the children’s center because there were so many fun things to do.