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In the photo, a scene from last year's successful return of the Youngstown Labor Day Parade. (Photo courtesy of pyrba.org)
In the photo, a scene from last year's successful return of the Youngstown Labor Day Parade. (Photo courtesy of pyrba.org)

Good times ahead with annual Labor Day Parade, Summerfest

Sat, Aug 27th 2016 07:00 am

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

The summer fun of Youngstown is beginning to wind down.

Over past months, area residents have trekked just north to the village for a whole host of happenings - Old Fort Niagara, soccer and lacrosse tourneys at the state park, the Great Contraption Race, numerous sailing and boating events in the lower Niagara, Youngstown Yacht Club functions, community concerts, picnics and much more.

The good times reach their crest come Monday, Sept. 5, with two end-of-summer must-attend events: the 2016 edition of the Youngstown Labor Day Parade on Main Street, followed by the annual Porter on the Lake Summerfest on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Presented in part by the Porter, Youngstown, Ransomville Business Association (www.pyrba.org) and the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, the Youngstown Labor Day Parade pays tribute to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., which began this tradition more than 80 years ago.

Beginning at noon, residents and visitors to northern Niagara County can experience a true old-time firemen's parade, complete with marching bands, floats, area police and fire companies, youth groups, political officials, union organizations, an Old Fort Niagara contingent, local veterans groups, area businesses and dance troupes.

And you are welcome to join in.

"As much as we hate to see summer go, we love our local parade, our tradition here in Youngstown!" pyrba.org posted on its Facebook page. "Now is the time to get in on all the fun. Have your family make their own float or ride in a car, come one and come all to enjoy the day!

"Sept. 5 at noon, same as the many, many years that we have to thank our own Youngstown Volunteer Fire Department for!"

For more, check online at www.pyrba.org or visit the group on Facebook.

And keep the rest of the day open for Summerfest.

Presented by the Modern Corporation, the Town of Porter and the chamber, the annual Porter on the Lake Summerfest takes place from 3-9 p.m. at Porter on the Lake Park, located at Dietz Road off Lake Road (Route 18).

This family-fun event will feature food, vendors, beer and wine, as well as live music by Carl Filbert and Bob Volkman, plus Pirate Dreams (a Jimmy Buffet tribute band).

Food vendors include Casa Antica, Billy's Beef, The Great Foodini, JD Enterprises (nuts and snack items) and Melloni's Catering.

Pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting will be available at no cost for children from 3-6 p.m.

And come evening, look for fireworks from Skylighters of New York over Lake Ontario at dusk. Access to Lake Ontario will be closed that day to allow for fireworks preparations.

The event will be held rain or shine. Admission to Summerfest is $5 per adult, with children 12 and under admitted free.

Chamber President Jennifer Pauly pointed out that, as in past years, event chairs and Town of Porter councilmen Larry White and Jeff Baker, joined by their wives Linda and Gloria, have worked with a contingent of local volunteers to make the annual Summerfest a success.

"All proceeds from this event will go directly to improvements at the park, specifically for all-weather curtains on the main pavilion and to upgrade the current playground," Pauly said.

Tickets will be available at Summerfest and can be purchased pre-sale at Anchor Spirits, The Dory and Melloni's Market Place in Youngstown, plus the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce office and First Niagara Bank in Lewiston.

Further support for Summerfest comes from CWM Chemical Services, Mark Cerrone Inc., DT Truesdell Trucking Inc., Mawhiney Trucking, Baker Farm Market & U Pick, CRA Infrastructure & Engineering Inc., First Niagara Bank, Fox Fence Inc., Frey Electric Construction Co., Minuteman Press of Downtown Buffalo, Porter Empty Return Center, Ransomville Business and Professional Association and Robert Macvie Inc.

Pauly said additional sponsors for this event are welcome.

For more information on Summerfest, or to assist, call 716-754-9500 or email [email protected].

Local organizations will again participate in the Youngstown Labor Day Parade. (Photo courtesy of pyrba.org)

Local organizations will again participate in the Youngstown Labor Day Parade. (Photo courtesy of pyrba.org)

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