recap of first night 2008

Spread throughout downtown youngstown in 17 different locations were the numerous events that made up First Night Youngstown 2008.

It was the first time I had attended the event, and the variety and number of activities and performances really impressed me. Even though it was hard to be in 17 places at once, many were on hand to see the ball drop at the City Hall Annex (the old post office). Here is a video of that moment:



Here is the first event on the 31st, the piroghi eating contest at 4:00pm. The awards for the event were awesome, modeled on the glorious eats from St. Joseph the Provider.



The lights were on throughout the downtown, and some of the older buildings I have never been inside were open to the public.


Here is a smattering of photos from a handful of the things I was able to see that night.

Civil war stories at Pig Iron Press:


Bob Barko's mural on the history of Youngstown:


Horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the downtown:


A hanging dragon at the SMARTS Art Center:


Getting ready for a drum circle:


Magic in the mirrored dance room upstairs at the DeYor:


Inside the Helen Chapel designed by P. Ross Berry:


A plaque signifying the founding of the First Pres. Church in 1799 what was then the Connecticut Western Reserve.


Rock music at 20 Federal Place:


High School Rock-off:


And as highlighted in a earlier post, the opening of the Rosetta Stone, a talent competition plus an entertainment review featured here by Metro Monthly.

The sideshows at the Oakland:



The vibe at the Youngstown Art gallery:



A tour from Central Square:



Looking across the street and up onto the buildings:



And much more took place than what is shown here.

First Night 2009 is already looking for volunteers, and if you can't help out, be sure to stop by on January 31st, 2007.