Alleluia!
After at least a thousand days of inconvenience, all streets in downtown Youngstown will finally be open to traffic Friday. That includes the final hurdle — a one-block stretch of East Federal Street between Central Square and Champion Street.
The dark days of Detours were brought on by endless street reconstruction projects and the tragic Realty Tower explosion.
Yes, it’s a big time for people who live, work or party downtown.
And it’s just in time for the Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Flea on Phelps Gift Market and other hoopla happening Friday night downtown.
THE Bullet on Phelps gift market will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Phelps Street and will feature unique items made by dozens of local makers and artisans.
THE holiday parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will walk east to west along Federal Street. More than 100 organizations will participate in the parade, which sets a record, according to Melanie Clarke-Penella, the city’s events director.
Lex the artist from New York will serve as parade emcee from the main stage in Central Square. Before the parade, the Octave House Group will play jazz and funk classics on stage.
Immediately after the parade, around 7 p.m., things will take a turn that can only be described as sublimely Youngstown.
Stan Boneythe veteran local television journalist, accompanied by Idora and the Wildcatswill sing a jazzy rendition of “Hang in There, Youngstown.” This should be a real roller coaster ride.
The song was released by Boney in the 1980s to encourage locals not to give up despite the hard times caused by the collapse of the steel industry and to remind them of all the good things about the city.
The song was written by Youngstown native Mike Pachelli and recorded at Peppermint Recording Studio (of course!) on the South Side.
“Because Youngstown is on the cusp of a new era, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate that feeling in our holiday parade than with a new version of this early 1980s anthem,” Clarke-Penella said. “The show will remind us of the strength, resilience and hope that define our city. »
Boney said it’s been a while, but he’s ready.
“I haven’t sung this song in public in almost 40 years, but I can’t wait to give it a try,” he said. “It’ll be fun.”
Check out the original video for the song HERE. It might bring to mind the theme song of every 1980s sitcom, but that only makes the memories of that era more vivid.
There will be a lot more happening downtown Friday night. Here is an overview:
- Tree lighting, 7:15 p.m.
- Santa’s Workshop and Spruce Holiday Pop-Up Shop, DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., 5 to 9 p.m.
- Performance by the Youngstown Symphony Quartet (free). Also, a meeting with Belle, Elsa and Moana. DeYor PAC, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Free photos with Santa and Buddy the Elf, Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch. DeYor PAC, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Smart open day, in the Ohio One building. Free, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Oh Wow! Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology Open House, with free entry, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pop-up library on Place Centrale, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tyler History Center Open House, 325 W. Federal, with free admission and chocolate in the lobby, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- YSU Art Student Holiday Exhibition and Sale, Concept Studio, 217 W. Federal St., 4 to 7 p.m.
- Memories of Christmas Past exhibition, Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., noon to 4 p.m.
- Dueling pianos, Penguin City Brewery, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Free parking will be available in a dozen lots downtown and in the university district.
For a complete overview of everything happening in the Mahoning Valley, check out The list.
Pictured at top: Santa participates in last year’s holiday parade in downtown Youngstown.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.