Downtown Dash showcases establishments, revitalization

Downtown Dash and fireworks show featuring The Zou and Jones for Revival

When: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 5 p.m. to midnight
Where: Downtown Youngstown, 300 W. Federal Street, Youngstown
Cost: $10
Age limit: All ages

YOUNGSTOWN — The Director of downtown Youngstown and creator of Defend Youngstown, Phil Kidd, says the city is at a point where establishments in the downtown and its overall revitalization can be showcased.

That’s the point, he says, behind the Downtown Dash. The event is set for 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday.

Participants buy a button for $10, which gets unlimited transportation on the trolley on the crawl route for the length of the event. Also, the $10 includes three $2 vouchers for three different locations. Kidd says the vouchers will help encourage participants to visit all 15 locations, as each participant will get vouchers for different venues.

Participants who “complete” the Dash, will also receive a T-shirt. Kidd says the definition of “complete” will be announced when the Dash begins and participants check in.

While the nature of the event would seemingly dictate that each participant have a drink at each venue, Kidd says it’s up to each establishment what constitutes receiving a punch on the participant’s Dash card. For example, Charlie Staples is permitting participants to buy food to get a punch on their card for that establishment.

Tickets are available at participating establishments in advance and at the sign-in table from 5 to 7 p.m. the day of the Dash in front of the Soldier’s Monument on Central Square.

There will also be musical performances in front of the monument, with The Zou slated for performance at 9 p.m. and Jones for Revival at 10 p.m., with a fireworks display in the middle of their sets at 10 p.m.Local artist Bob Barko will also unveil a new mural.

Proceeds benefit Youngstown CityScape, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the beautification of the greater downtown Youngstown area.

Kidd says he originally envisioned this event to be like First Night Youngstown, but in the summertime. He hopes that with success this year, the event will be held July 4, 2009.

Establishments involved are:

• The Youngstown Club

• Martini’s

• Buffalo Wild Wings

• Barley’s

• Rosetta Stone

• Imbibe

• Draught House

• Overture

• B&O Station Boxcar Lounge and Cafe

• Charlie Staples BBQ

• Inner Circle Pizza