YSU fest will feature bands, bonfire

IF YOU GO

What: Fall Fire Fest

Where: YSU, Grant St.

When: Thursday, 7 to 11 p.m.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s fourth annual Fall Fire Fest will be Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. in the M71 parking lot on Grant Street.

The event will feature live music, a bonfire, food and drink vendors, and a pep rally in support of YSU athletic teams. Fall Fire Fest, which is free to the public, is part of YSU’s homecoming celebration.

Performing will be the Weeks and Future Thieves, two rock bands based in Nashville, Tenn., as well as regional act Demos Papadimas.

The Penguin Pride Rally will include a few words from YSU President Jim Tressel, the Penguin Pack, Homecoming officials, and student-athletes. Golden String Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides recreational activities to adults and children with special needs, will receive proceeds from the day’s alcohol sales.

Local food trucks The Big Green Thing and Taste of N’awlns will be on site. Additionally, the Residence Hall Association, Catholic Student Association, and Student Art Association will offer a s’mores bars, candy bars, hot chocolate and apple cider free of charge to YSU students. YSU Parking Services will extend operation of the University District Express Shuttle for Fall Fire Fest, with additional stops at the event site between 7 and 11:15 p.m.

“Fall Fire Fest is such a relaxing and warming atmosphere,” said Hannah Telesz of Penguin Productions. “[It] is the perfect way to wrap up the fall season by warming up with our large fire and enjoying live music.”

Penguin Productions, the university’s student programming board, is producing Fall Fire Fest.

The organization creates, promotes and produces high-quality events for YSU students and the community that are designed to fulfill student preferences.