Youngstown Christmas tree lit after parade led by Sister Jerome

YOUNGSTOWN

Spectators whipped out their cellphones to snap photos as the city illuminated its blue spruce Christmas tree today in the heart of downtown.

Children and adults alike gathered around Central Square for the annual tree-lighting ceremony, which followed a holiday parade down Federal Street.

Youngstown police cars kicked off the procession with lights flashing.

Shortly thereafter, the parade’s grand marshal, Sister Jerome Corcoran, waved to onlookers from the backseat of a red SUV. Sister Jerome, a longtime advocate for education, will celebrate her 100th birthday in April.

Other notable participants included Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally, who walked alongside a car and hailed the crowd, Youngstown City Council members, YMCA and YWCA representatives, Youngstown State University’s mascot Pete the Penguin and various high-school marching bands.

The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, 21 WFMJ-TV, teamed up with Youngstown CityScape and a host of downtown businesses to sponsor the festivities, which included caroling and holiday treats from local vendors.

The man of the hour – Santa Claus – brought up the tail end of the parade.

Read more about the even in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.