Youngstown tree lighting, parade welcomes thousands downtown

The first day of December kicked off with plenty of holiday fun in Downtown Youngstown Friday evening.

From the annual holiday parade, Christmas tree lighting, and dozens of vendors at Flea on Phelps, it was hard to not feel the holiday cheer around you!

"It warms my heart seeing all these people coming out and having a good time," said Richard Bernacki, Owner of Penguin City Brewing Co. "It's such an easy, joyous, fun event. I love it."

"It took everybody to make this a success," said Mayor Tito Brown. "I always say we're at fourth quarter with two minutes left and we got the ball across the line. We knew that was our goal to make sure we continued to have the Christmas parade. What better place to be than in Downtown Youngstown tonight."

There was so much to do, it was hard to even hit it all! Kiddos were able to meet holiday characters like Buddy the Elf, Elsa, and even Santa at 6 W. Federal Street. Over 300 children explored OhWow! Science Center, where all exhibits were free of charge before 6 p.m.

The restaurants and bars were also packed and sold holiday drinks in special commemorative mugs. 

"When all of us collaborate on something beautiful that's going on downtown," explained Joe Mamounis with Avalon Downtown Pizzeria & Bella Amica Boutique. "As they say, 'a rising tide lifts all boats."

"The additional decor we have around downtown set the stage for such an old-fashioned Christmas and a welcome to our community to come downtown," said Sharon Letson, Executive Director of Youngstown CityScape. "This event was presented to the Mahoning Valley with months of coordination and good teamwork."

"This event wouldn't be possible without the help of wonderful volunteers," said Melanie Clarke-Penella, Downtown Events Coordinator. "It is wonderful to see such growth in the city."

Organizers tell 21 News they were able to bring in 10k+ people downtown to kick off the holiday season.

Eventgoers checked off their Christmas shopping list while walking the flea-featuring 65 small business vendors from the area. The holiday flea continues through Sunday at 365 E. Boardman St.

"Anytime you can come down to downtown and enjoy everything Youngstown has to offer and what the flea brings is awesome," said Ashley Lucas, Owner of A&R Designs. "So it's a great vibe and it's a lot of fun."

Liberty High School won the award for best marching band in the parade. Austintown Fitch came in second with Hubbard in third. 

21 WFMJ's Derek Steyer and Madonna Chism-Pinkard were delighted to host the event while our WFMJ Weekend Today crews walked the parade to greet the crowd. 

It was all in preparation for the jolly moment when the Christmas tree lit up the sky at 7:30 in the Town Center. 

Joyful memories were made in Downtown Youngstown as we celebrate the holiday season.