Mahoning Avenue Fall Fest to celebrate neighborhood

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning Avenue will come alive with live music, an outdoor cafe, art galleries and a farmers market with the third Mahoning Avenue Fall Fest, which will celebrate the neighborhood’s many hidden treasures.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday between Steel Street and McKinley Avenue on the West Side’s historic Garden District.

The festival will feature baked goods, produce, jewelry and a host of family-friendly activities, including mini pumpkins to paint, courtesy of the Garden District Neighborhood Association, in addition to other children’s activities.

And although the new West Side library is under construction, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will have a popup library. The new library will be named the Michael Kusalaba Branch, and the Friends of the new Michael Kusalaba Branch will be selling keepsake bricks from the old library.

Area businesses also will participate. The Sons of Italy will have a disc jockey, Kelly’s will have music as well as food and drink specials. Casa Ramirez will feature an authentic Mexican carnitas special and drink specials.

There will be a music jam session in the parking lot of Huck’s Motors, and Paisley House will have a trash and treasure sale.

The purpose of the event is to demonstrate the vibrancy of the community and try to catalyze more permanent improvements ahead that will support and promote local artists and businesses.

Supporters of the event include the City of Youngstown, 4th Ward Councilman Mike Ray, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Garden District Neighborhood Association, Paisley House, Casa Ramirez, Kelly’s and Sons of Italy.