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Downtown holiday parade promises to be brighter
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Downtown Youngstown will sparkle even brighter this year, as the holiday lighting decor in Central Square will now extend four blocks down West Federal Street.
The public will get its first glimpse of the new look at 7 p.m. Friday, when the lights will be turned on for the first time.
Friday will be the start of the holiday season downtown, with a parade along the length of Federal Street, from east to west, beginning at 6 p.m. There also will be a multitude of family-friendly activities on Central Square – including caroling plus food and holiday merchandise vendors – beginning at 4:30 p.m. After the tree lighting, children can visit with Santa Claus and have their photograph taken.
The annual lighting of Central Square began four years ago, and uses 50,000 light bulbs strung through the trees and structures.
This year, an additional 25,000 bulbs will be added to the display on West Federal Street, both in the traffic medians and the sidewalks.
Home Savings and Loan is the sponsor of the lighting program, dubbed the Youngstown CityScape Sparkle Youngstown Plus campaign. Gary Small, president and CEO of Home S&L, will flip the switch at Friday evening’s event to illuminate the lights.
Youngstown CityScape is a nonprofit group dedicated to the revitalization of downtown.
The median strips on West Federal Street between Fifth Avenue and Hazel Street will be lit with white lights, just like Central Square. Last year, this stretch was decorated with a few candy canes and pre-lit wreaths.
“What we are doing this year is a substantial upgrade,” said Michael McGiffin, director of downtown events.
Because of electrical problems in the median strip between Hazel and Phelps streets, this block will instead be decorated with lighted garlands and wreaths along the fence of the water department parking lot, said McGiffin.
Businesses on this block, which has a half-dozen bars and restaurants, are also coordinating their own decorations with the city.
In addition to the parade and activities on Central Square, there will be a few other holiday-related events going on downtown and nearby on Friday evening. These include:
Youngstown Phantoms hockey game Ugly Sweater game at Covelli Centre at 7:05 p.m. Guests who wear an ugly Christmas sweater will receive an ugly sweater drink koozie.
“Memories of Christmas Past” holiday exhibition, noon to 4 p.m., Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave.; go to memoriesofchristmaspast.com for ticket information.
Dueling Pianos free show at 7:30 p.m. at Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts, 34 N. Phelps St., presented by Youngstown State University’s Penguin Productions.
OH Wow! Children’s Center for Science and Technology, 11 W. Federal St., will offer free admission.
Youngstown Flea holiday flea market at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., from 4-8 p.m.
“In the Spirit of Christmas” holiday play, 7:30 p.m. at Victorian Players Theater, 702 Mahoning Ave. Call 330-746-5455 for ticket information and reservations.
“How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas,” 8 p.m., by Rust Belt Theater, at Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave. Call 330-507-2358.
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at 7:30 p.m. at Ford Theater, inside Bliss Hall on the Youngstown State University campus. While not holiday-related, this musical is definitely light-hearted fun. Call 330-941-3105.