Youngstown Community Picnic is Aug. 24

The Village of Youngstown announces its annual Community Picnic will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Falkner Park.

Held each August since 2004 when the village first offered the event as part of its 150th year celebration, the picnic has become a family-oriented affair according to co-chairs, Village Trustee Beverly VanDeusen and Tina Oddy, chair of the Youngstown Recreation Committee.

The day gets underway with a children's fishing derby, sponsored by the Niagara River Anglers Association, from 8 a.m. to noon on the South Dock. Opening ceremonies follow at the park, including presentation of colors by the Boy Scouts; the playing of the national anthem by guitarist Steve Fleck; a community welcome by Youngstown Mayor Raleigh Reynolds, and opening prayer by the Rev. Charles Lamb.

From there picnicking and family fun will be the order of the day. The Village of Youngstown will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages, with grilling by members of U.S. Coast Guard Station Niagara and picnic services coordinated Youngstown Baptist Church. Families are asked to bring a dish to pass, and specialty dishes are anticipated from area eateries, including Youngstown Village Diner, Main Street Pizzeria, Brennan's Irish Pub, Bandanas and the Ontario House.

Activities include a bounce house for the kids; the Falkner Park wading pool; the Kindered Kreek Alpaca Farm and Petting Zoo; and an assortment of old fashioned games for all ages. Included are an egg toss; water balloon toss; three-legged race and potato sack race; a water melon eating contest; face painting, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Youth group; and a sidewalk chalk contest. Fire truck rides will be provided by the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., and the Youngstown Business and Professional Association is sponsoring an ice cream sundae station.

Oddy notes that SPCA of Niagara will also be a participant in this year's event. "We just received confirmation from the SPCA of Niagara and they will also have an informational display table and the Puppy Kissing Booth at the Youngstown Community Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 24," said Oddy. Look for their booth at Falkner Park.

Entertainment will feature the music of Steve Fleck of the Brass Monkeez and informational tables and displays will be provided by the Youngstown Free Library, Old Fort Niagara, U.S. Coast Guard Station Niagara, the Porter Historical Society, Youngstown Village Tourism and Tours and Wild Critters.

For further information, contact VanDeusen or Oddy at the Village of Youngstown, at 716-745-7721.