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In the photos are scenes from last year's Christmas in the Village. (File photos)
In the photos are scenes from last year's Christmas in the Village. (File photos)

Holiday magic in Youngstown

Wed, Dec 6th 2017 12:15 pm
Christmas in the Village holiday event to feature activities for all ages
By Terry Duffy
Editor-in-Chief
The holiday season is in full swing in northern Niagara. And with the weather expected finally to begin acting more like winter, it sets the stage perfectly for the River Region's next celebration: Youngstown's Christmas in the Village.
An annual presentation of the Village of Youngstown, in conjunction with the Youngstown Business and Professional Association, local businesses and scores of community participants, Christmas in the Village plays out all day Saturday, Dec. 9. Locations include the Youngstown Red Brick Village Center, inside village businesses and out on the streets and sidewalks.
All told, it promises an enjoyable holiday experience for all ages.
"Come visit our wonderful business district for shopping and festivities," Youngstown Trustee Stu Comerford said.
Starting at 10 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m. area residents, as well as River Region visitors, can partake in a number of holiday treats - all strictly Youngstown in theme. Included are:
•A 10 a.m. ribbon cutting to welcome the village's newest business - The Youngstown Galley with chef/baker Rebecca Poletti. Stop by at Main and Lockport streets for the grand opening; partake in all-day specials at this unique eatery and enjoy live music from 1-3 p.m.
•A Christmas Artisan's Market inside the Village Center gym. Starting at 11 a.m. and continuing to 4 p.m., more than 25 vendors are expected to be on hand, with a number of holiday-themed decorations and gifts available for sale.
•Starting at noon and continuing to 4 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides will be provided free of charge for riders. Travel the Village of Youngstown from the Red Brick parking lot to the Main Street business strip. Join along for the ride.
And keep an eye out for colorful holiday characters - the wandering minstrels, Christmas favorites Olaf, Rudolf, even a special elf - who will be cruising the village sidewalks; you'll never know whom you may run into!
•Speaking of Christmas favorites, Santa Claus will arrive at 1 p.m. at the Village Center to meet the little ones and take photos and offer a special reading of "The Night Before Christmas." Santa is expected to only remain for a short time (1-3 p.m.), so be sure to stop by and visit.
•Still more children's programs can be found from noon to 2 p.m. inside the Youngstown Free Library at the Village Center. There, library Director Sonora Miller will offer interactive holiday crafts as well as tasty, warm beverages to ward off the chill.
•From 12:30-2 p.m., stop by the Town of Porter Historical Society Museum in the Village Center for a special open house. Members Dotty Riordan and Donna Huggins will offer "only for kids" activities, including period dress-ups as well as those of many of today's popular children's characters in costume; a variety of historical crafts; and live music by Apropos.
A 50/50 split and holiday refreshments will also be offered.
•From 2-4 p.m., chairpersons Lori and Tom Russell invite all to enjoy a "Victorian Tea" taking place in the Village Center boardroom.
•And inside the Center's Cora Gushee Community Room, Tina Oddy and the Youngstown Recreation Department will hold the annual Children's Christmas Party from 1-3 p.m. This one will feature Christmas craft-making, as well as cookie-decorating and face-painting activities for the little ones courtesy of the Lew-Port Builder's Club students; a special visit from Donuts D Clown, who will make his fun animal balloons; and on stage entertainment by Step in Time.
Back on the streets of the village, look for more holiday happenings offered at local businesses:
•The Mug & Musket Tavern will feature musician David Stayner with holiday specials starting at noon.
•The Village Diner will feature special holiday menu favorites until 2 p.m.
•The Ontario House, aka Jug, will offer holiday drinks and a weekend dinner menu. Check Facebook for updates.
•Victoria's Hair Care will offer special stocking stuffers and hair care specials. Stop in and see their new mani/pedi section!
•Melloni's Market Place will feature yummy treats including coffee, doughnuts and meal specials. Check Facebook for upcoming ads.
•Anchor Spirits & Wines will offer discounts on Niagara Wine Trail Ice wines from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as live music by Rich from noon to 3 p.m. Visit and get a free 2018 calendar with any purchase over $10.
•Also to be found will be servings of hot dogs and popcorn outside the Village Center from Youngstown Lions Club members, and hot beverages by Friends of the Library.
Yes, Youngstown's 2017 edition of Christmas in the Village promises a day of holiday fun and treats for residents and visitors of all ages. Cheryl Irish Butera, YBPA president, welcomes all to experience the truly unique ambiance the village has to offer.
"Come down to Youngstown and see how warm a small town can make you feel, with our lighted snowflakes on lampposts on Main and Lockport streets, as well as the many decorated businesses and homes," she said. "You won't be disappointed."
For more on Christmas in the Village activities, visit the Village of Youngstown page on Facebook.

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