Youngstown Community Picnic moves to Saturday

The seventh annual Youngstown Community Picnic will be held in Falkner Park on Saturday, Aug. 28. Food and events are free and open to the public.

"The Community Picnic began as a celebration for the village's sesquicentennial in 2004. It was such a wonderful time, we made it an annual event," said Jodee Riordan, picnic chairwoman. "We bring the village together around food and festivities, at the waterfront and the park. It's one of our favorite days of the year.

"The event is being held on Saturday this year for the first time by popular demand," she added. Events begin with a fishing derby from 8 a.m. to noon at the south dock, coordinated by the Niagara River Anglers Association. The fishing derby is open to all ages and prizes are given in a variety of categories. Everything needed to fish is provided, including the guidance of the expert fishermen from the Niagara Anglers.

The Lew-Port Junior ROTC will be offering coffee and donuts, as a program fundraiser.

The Community Picnic follows from noon to 4 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages are provided by the Village of Youngstown. Riordan notes the community is asked to bring a dish to pass and many local restaurants will be donating a dish to share.

"The Youngstown Lions Club cooks, members of the Youngstown Baptist Church serve, and just about every civic organization in the Village turns out to lend a hand," she said.

The Jerry Andres Band will provide music throughout the event. Other activities include: old-fashioned games; a watermelon eating contest; a basket raffle, which benefits the Kids' Count after school program at the Youngstown First Presbyterian Church; fire truck rides by Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co.; a (cup)cake walk; local crafters and artisans; face-painting; caricature drawing; airbrush tattoos; Youngstown Free Library program; a bounce house; make-your-own-sundaes; arts and crafts. The wading pool will be open (weather permitting). 

For further information, contact Riordan at 745-9639.