Get ready for Youngstown Street Dance

by Terry Duffy

It's the end of the school year.

What a better way to celebrate than with the Beginning of Summer Street Dance in Youngstown? Sponsored by the Youngstown Business and Professional Association and the Village of Youngstown, the fourth annual family-oriented event takes place Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 10 p.m., rain or shine, on Main Street in the village.

"Street Dance is the biggest endeavor in the village," said the YBPA's Cheryl Butera. "It's the kick-off to the summer," and a whole slew of exciting village area happenings. Included are weekly concerts at Falkner Park, the Porter on the Lake Summer Fest, the Niagara-Pioneer International Soccer Tourney at Fort Niagara, the Level Regatta "Last Hurrah" and more.

And it all starts on Thursday. Among the offerings at this year's Street Dance will be live music by the Carl Motyka Band; 1,000 beach balls for the kids, donated by Anchor Spirits; popcorn donated by the Youngstown Lions; pony rides provided by Terri Diez of Lakeside Quarterhorses (proceeds to go to 4-H); facepainting by Chrissy Gaffney and Heather; food, beverage and merchandise sales by area restaurants, Melloni's Market Place and local vendors; a 50-50 split, with proceeds to benefit the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. ambulance fundraising campaign; a bounce house for the kids; Youngstown Recreation Department water sales water to benefit the Nancy Price Scholarship Fund; an open house by the Susan Geissler Studios; and the soft opening of the Dory Trading Post.

In case of inclement weather, the Street Dance and vendors will be moved to the Red Brick School Village Center gym on Lockport Street.