Youngstown Events – July 2009

July is going to be a busy month, so before things get out of control, pull out your calendars and put some of these events on there.

The first thing I want to draw your attention to starts this week. It’s the Tour of the Valley 2009, produced by Carbon Racing and the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Billed as “the largest event with 300+ racers and 4,000+ spectators expected over 3 days and 17 races.” Carbon Racing has ensured this will be a carbon neutral event, coordinating carpooling, recycling, litter control, tire recycling and other efforts.

Tour of the Valley’s schedule begins with a time trial in Ellsworth at the Mastropietro Winery, July 10th. That afternoon downtown Canfield will host a criterium course. Saturday features a 6-mile road race in Columbiana. Sunday will prove to be particularly exciting, with a criterium course in downtown Youngstown!

That’s not all going on this weekend, of course. The 6th Annual Smoky Hollow 5k Run and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk is Saturday, July 11. The run starts at 9am and the family fun walk starts at 9:10am. Everything starts and finishes at Harrison Field on Walnut Street.

This is just part of the Summer Festival of the Arts taking place both Saturday and Sunday on the YSU campus. Each year my family and I enjoy strolling through the many art vendors, participating in the SMARTS drum circle, eating from the many ethnic and international booths, checking out sidewalk chalk art in front of the McDonough Museum and seeing pretty much everyone we know out there, too.

Check out the Northside Farmers’ Market preview next to the Wick Pollock Inn.

The Forte on the 50 is also part of the celebrations. July 11 at Stambaugh Stadium starting with the Dana All-Star Band at 7:30pm and concluding with (more!) fireworks at 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 and available at the gate.

You may have already heard about the movie series at the Covelli Centre. Sit on the grass, enjoy some candy from Howl at the Moon and watch some great movies. Here’s this month’s schedule:

July 6 (Tonight!): Jaws
July 13: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
July 20: Sixteen Candles
July 27: The Family that Preys

There’s also a series of free outdoor concerts at the Judge Morley Pavilion at Mill Creek Park; all shows at 7pm.

July 8: Rudy and the Professionals (A taste of the Caribbean)
July 15: Del Sinchak & Eddie Vallus II (Polkas!)
July 19: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Big band swing)
July 22: The Eldorado Band (Country)
July 26: Aftermath (Experience the 60s) 5:30pm & 7pm
July 29: Teddy Pantelas Quartet (Jazz) Vocals by Tania Grubbs

Let me say a word about Teddy Pantelas. Folks, this guy is the real-deal guitarist. Teddy is a fantastic player who’s played everywhere and with everyone. Jeff Grubbs is a bassist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and will be joining Teddy, along with his wife and Valley native Tania Grubbs. This is a concert not to miss!

The Northside Farmers’ Market kicks off this month, both at its Saturday morning location on Elm Street across from Wick Park from 9am through 1pm starting the 18th. Also on Tuesdays downtown in the Central Square next to the Chase bank 1:30pm – 5pm.

The weekend of the 18th is also packed with fun. Start your day at the Northside Farmers’ Market, then head down to the Pig Iron Street Festival on Phelps. Finish things off at the Mahoning Valley History Center with live music, cocktails and “cool treats.” Treat yourself to a $40 ticket and become a member of MVHS or get a basic ticket for $25 and enjoy the good stuff at the former Harry Burt/Ross Radio Building at 325 West Federal.

More history you want? Check out summer story time at the Arms Family Museum of Local History at 648 Wick Avenue Wednesdays July 8, 22 & 29th from 10-11:30am. Targeted at ages 3-5, kids will “learn about history through a story, craft and free play in the Hands-On History Room.” Admission is free, but call 330-743-2589 to hold your spot.

We’ve got more sports, too, of course. Mahoning Valley Thunder hosts the Green Bay Blizzard on the 25th at 7:00pm at the Covelli Centre.

The Mt. Carmel Italian Festival runs from Thursday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 26th at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, just northeast of downtown. (Turn your sound down before visiting the site and be prepared to scroll…)

The Youngstown Italian Fest comes right at the end of the month, from July 31 to August 2. The annual event continues to enliven downtown with food, music and carnival-style diversions.

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