We wish to thank everyone who participated in what people are telling us was "the best Street Dance yet!" It really does keep getting better and that is because everyone pitches in and helps in whatever way they can.
We thank of course Youngstown Mayor Raleigh Reynolds and the village trustees for working with the YBPA to provide a clean and safe environment for our residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of good old-fashioned fun! This year Tim Adamson (trustee) took it upon himself to sand and paint every single lamppost along Main and Lockport streets. Then Todd Muller and the DPW worked to sweep and then stripe Hinman Street for the location of the Classic Car Show.
YBPA board member Diane Melloni worked tirelessly to organize the food and vendors on Main Street, including securing everyone's certificate of insurance and official registration. Thank you Melloni's Market Place!
The Youngstown Police enjoyed themselves, and assured us that there were "no issues" and believed the steady flow of attendees demonstrated yet another successful event. Thank you Chief Michael Schuey and fellow officers. Thanks as well to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. for your support and as well allowing the children to have an opportunity to explore the Youngstown Volunteer fire truck. Kids sure love fire trucks.
The Carl Moytka Band entertained, and the children and adults danced in the street right until the end. Thanks Carl! And Nick Conde and his brand-new "castle" bounce house brought smiles to those little faces all night long.
We thank all of the businesses who stayed open: Youngstown Village Diner, Mug & Musket, Ontario House aka the Jug, Main Street Pizza, and even Susan Geissler's Studio! We are a small village but we show our big heart every time.
Welcome newcomer Rebecca Poletti and "Galley at 400 Main" - next year you will be overflowing with people wanting to try your foodie ideas and as well your "Mangia Cakes and ice cream." (Expect very long lines.)
Thanks to all the vendors: the Youngstown Free Library, VFW Post 113, Youngstown Lions for all of that free popcorn, the Youngstown Boy Scouts - we had Fidgets and LuLaRoe, Niagara University, St. John's Episcopal Church of Youngstown, Niagara Clown Alley's "Donut, CoraBunny, and Hop-A-Long" clowns (great face painting for the kids), and Lakeside Quarterhorses with your wonderful bake goods, your team of helpers, and those beautiful horses.
Thanks to Dawn and Kevin Cobello for taking photos of the street dance. Everyone missed Wayne Peters this year but we are all wishing him a very speedy recovery!
Last but not least, Dennis Ketch and Albert McFayden for organizing the Car Show on Hinman. We know that early afternoon shower scared some car folks away but they must learn we have very special blessings here in Youngstown. We have had eight in a row with no rain during our street dance! We fondly like to say this is "God's Country."
So 2017 was a hit. Thank you Niagara Frontier Publications for covering our event in advance.
Oh, and congratulations to the winner of the YBPA 50/50 Split. Our wonderful board and YBPA members were managing the prize table for the night. Thus $150 was won by none other than Phil Buffone - who was as excited as anyone could be to win.
See everyone next year, June 21, 2018, for YBPA Street Dance No. 9
Thank you.
Cheryl and Mark Butera
President and secretary
Youngstown Business and Professional Association
Left to right, Phil Buffone of the Sentinel, Cheryl Irish-Butera YBPA president, Peter Buffone, and Jerry Brett, YBPA vice president. (Photo by Mark Butera, YBPA secretary) Shown below is another Street Dance scene, courtesy of K&D Action Photo & Aerial Imaging)
