×

First Night Youngstown fights off the weather

Tribune Chronicle / Beth Shiller Nicole Shook and her daughters, Alexa and Isabella, make crowns at a craft table at OH WOW! Science Center in Youngstown, one of the many locations that hosted activities Monday during First Night Youngstown.

YOUNGSTOWN — Hundreds of Mahoning Valley residents gathered in downtown Youngstown to celebrate the end of 2018 and to welcome the new year.

First Night Youngstown offered family-friendly activities at 14 downtown locations, from ice skating at the Covelli Centre to musical acts at St. Columba Cathedral’s Parish Hall and The Soap Gallery. There was something for everyone. There also were two ball drops and fireworks shows — one for the kids at 8:45 p.m. and one at midnight for the adults. Fireworks were set off over the Market Street bridge, providing a great view for attendees.

Even though it was a rainy end to the year, Andrea Daniels, vice president of First Night Youngstown, said there was a great turnout. “So far it’s been great. We’ve had lots of people come through despite the rain. We’ll attract more once the rain stops,” she said.

The events centered around the First Night headquarters on Federal Street, where people could buy wristbands in order to attend the events. The proceeds from the wristbands are used by the First Night Youngstown board toward next year’s event. The wristbands were a new addition this year.

“We decided to try something new. The kids love the bracelets. Next year will be our 20th anniversary of First Night, and we were thinking of doing big special buttons,” Daniels said.

First Night began with an opening ceremony at 4 p.m., and events continued on until midnight. Unfortunately, because of the rain, most of the outdoor events, like the horse-drawn carriage rides on Federal Street, were canceled. That didn’t stop people from having a great time, as they attended a Harry Potter tour at the Trinity Church or watched fan-favorite Eric Thompson perform his magic show.

“We brought back some of usual events. Our favorites are Eric Thompson and Harambee. Spirit of the Bear was new this year, along with the One Cello and The Sidekicks Barbershop Quartet,” said Daniels. “The horse-and-carriage rides are also a huge favorite, but because of the rain, they were shut down.”

Ralph Dillon, who was working the entrance to the ice skating rink, said everyone seemed excited to be there and that a lot of the skaters had been on the ice since he got there at 4 p.m.

“I wish everyone a Happy New Year, and I hope that my family will continue to be happy and well,” said Dillon, who added he had volunteered to work until the rink closed at 11 p.m. because he loves watching everyone have a good time.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today