Excitement builds for Youngstown’s Downtown Open

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – There will be a celebration Saturday of downtown businesses complete with live music, food and family-centered activities. It’s all part of The Downtown Open.

It’s an event to help kickstart downtown businesses. Owners say the reception from the public has been positive in the wake of a pandemic, ongoing construction and the deadly Realty Building explosion in May.

Saturday’s big bash is a reopening that’s been months, if not years, in the making.

Federal Street was quiet and sleepy Friday afternoon, but the strip lined with bars and restaurants will transform as Downtown Youngstown prepares for The Downtown Open.

“It’s been a tough year downtown, but we try to do some things like this to make sure these businesses are ready to go,” said Jared Laczko, JAC Live marketing manager.

The event is tailor-made to encourage residents to patronize downtown businesses, bars and restaurants that have endured a bumpy five months following the explosion at the Realty Building.

“Covid, then the roads project, which really cut off a lot of access to the city and hurt our businesses. The cones, the construction vehicles, and then of course the tragedy on May 28. There’s been a lot of things that have gone against us. But we’re still here,” said Mark Canzonetta with Casa di Canzonetta.

The celebration also includes a stage that will feature four bands set up at the corner of Federal and Phelps. The music is set to start at 4 p.m. with headliner Red Wanting Blue taking the stage around 9 p.m.

“Youngstown is probably one of the nearest and dearest cities for Red Wanting Blue. I’ve got a very, very soft spot in my heart for Youngstown. So, the fact that we were asked to be a part of tomorrow’s festivities, the Youngstown Open –the downtown open –it’s huge,” said Scot Terry with Red Wanting Blue.

Terry and his band reorganized their schedule to fit in the concert. A fact that underscores the importance of Saturday’s event.

“It’s huge. For them to cancel different shows and to want to be in Youngstown. It means a lot to us, and it should mean a lot for the city as well,” Laczko said.

The festivities will also include free admission to Oh Wow! children’s museum.

Proceeds from the entire day will be shared among downtown businesses.

“We just hope that it kicks off a string of good months and years for these businesses downtown,” Laczko said.

Event schedule: (MC DJ Chip Banks)

• 12-4 p.m. – OH WOW! Family Fun
• 4 p.m . – Howard Howell (Straight out of Youngstown’s own Frieda’s)
• 6:15 p.m. – Blaq Rose (Youngstown’s Favorite R&B)
• 7:45 p.m . – Youngstown’s Houseband
• 9:45 p.m. – Red Wanting Blue

Also Happening:

• Youngstown Film Festival, 12 p.m. The Vault
• YSU vs South Dakota, 6 p.m., Stambaugh Stadium
• Rocky Horror Picture Show, 7 p.m., Penguin City
• Phantoms vs. Lincoln Stars, 6 p.m., Covelli Centre

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