Summer Festival of the Arts this weekend on campus

Get ready for a busy weekend on and around the Youngstown State University campus as the annual Summer Festival of the Arts and several other events kick off this week.

Please note: Wick Avenue is under construction, so visitors are advised to approach YSU from the north or south along Fifth Avenue to park in any surface lot, or from the south using Wick Avenue right to East Wood Street, left to North Champion Street, right on East Rayen Street and left on Walnut Street to access the back entrance of the Wick Avenue parking deck. GPS directions are 100 E. Wade Street Youngstown OH 44502. In addition, the Lincoln Avenue parking deck is closed for upgrades.

• The 19th annual YSU Summer Festival of the Arts is July 8 and 9. Saturday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6:00 and Sunday hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening ceremony including a Color Guard from the Youngstown Air Reserve Base and remarks by YSU President Jim Tressel begins at 10 a.m. Saturday by the Kilcawley Center Fountain. Admission to the festival is free.The heart of the festival is the artists’ marketplace that showcases the work of more than 75 local, regional and national artists selling original, hand-crafted pieces such as jewelry, paintings, sketches, sculptures, glass, wood and textiles. Family activities include the popular hands on art tent. Dozens of music, theater and dance performances are also scheduled, and the festival features the Festival of Nations. Admission is free. Lori A. Factor, festival director, said, “This year’s quality of artwork is exceptional. Visitors will be able to purchase unique items that are handcrafted by working artists, and in some cases see the artistic process unfold. In addition, the lineup of performers will appeal to everyone, while the abundance of cultural groups presenting their information captures the essence of how rich our arts and creative community is.”
• The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Summerfest, Thursday through Sunday, July 6 to 9, 220 N. Walnut St. The event includes live music and dancing, Greek food and pastries, and a display of cultural memorabilia. Hours are: Thursday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, July 9, noon to 6 p.m. Take out lunch service is available on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
• All AmeriCon 2017 Comic Convention, Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9, at the Covelli Center. The show is presented by All American Cards & Comics and includes comics, art and cosplay, and this year moved to the larger Covelli Center to allow for additional vendors and activities. Admission is $10 per day. For more information, call 330-393-3137 or visit their Facebook page.
• Friday night concert, Friday, July 7 at Central Square, Downtown Youngstown, featuring the Fabulous Flashbacks. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $10 and available at the gate.
• Youngstown Wine and Jazz, Saturday, July 8; doors open at 6:30 p.m. The stage will be set up in the middle of Wick Avenue near the Central Square. Tickets are $10 each and available at the Covelli Center Box Office, at www.ticketmaster.com or at the gate. Featured artist is keyboardist Alex Bugnon.
• 2 DE Gospel Fest, Sunday, July 9, at Central Square, Downtown Youngstown, headlined by Israel Houghton & New Breed. Tickets $20, $40 and $60 and may be purchased online at http://www.2deepevents.com/ or via phone at 330-953-3340.

For more information on all events, visit www.youngstownlive.com, www.ysu.edu/sfa or email Lori Factor at lafactor@ysu.edu.