Riverfest is June 4

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Friends of the Mahoning River members are preparing to welcome the public to the organization’s fifth annual Riverfest from noon to 5 p.m. June 4 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave.

Riverfest’s purpose is to educate the public about the river and promote its recreational use, said Tom Smith of Girard, a Friends board member.

Admission and parking are free at the event, which also will feature a show by Artists of the Rust Belt.

The arts and crafts show will feature jewelry, clothing and painted tiles.

Riverfest will feature food vendors, a children’s treasure hunt and free canoe rides.

A host of local organizations will have tables promoting local attractions, locally grown food, recycling, outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

On the same day, Youngstown CityScape volunteers will beautify Central Square in an event known as Streetscape from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also on June 4, Youngstown State University and the city will conduct a litter cleanup and spruce-up of Wick and Crandall parks on the city’s North Side.