Youngstown looks to shine on Labor Day

By Editor-in-Chief Terry Duffy

We knew it had to happen – summer 2026 is just about over.

Cooler weather has drifted in; the Bills played the Steelers at the new Highmark Stadium; and the annual Lewiston Jazz Festival returns this weekend. School is fast approaching, with staff development days for Lewiston-Porter next week and the first day for grades K-12 on Sept. 8.

But don’t fret, though – there’s still pleasant weather to look forward to and plenty of fall favorites on the horizon. The annual Niagara County Peach Festival returns Sept. 10 and, just days before, well, it’s Labor Day in Youngstown! The free, family-favorite takes over Main Street starting at noon Monday, Sept. 7. It is organized by the Village of Youngstown.

Parade chair Kristol Stevens reports planning has been underway over past weeks. Parade applications just closed and arrangements are moving ahead with the village, Youngstown Police, Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., and local businesses.

“There is an incredible amount of planning and organization that goes into putting this together. This promises to be a great event,” co-organizer John Stevens said.

As in past years, visitors can look forward to a host of participants including marching units, labor union representation, musical groups, floats, elected officials, police and fire departments, youth sports organizations and local community groups.

Among those expected are the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Michael Filicetti; the New York State Police; MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums; the Friends of the Youngstown Free Library; Youngstown Lions; U.S. Coast Guard Station Niagara; Old Fort Niagara; Youngstown Scout Troop 829; the Niagara Falls High School Wolverines Marching Band; Mercy Flight float; Local 17 of the International Union of Operating Engineers; Ironworkers Local 9 of Niagara Falls; and Youngstown VFW Lake Ontario Post 313. Members of the Town of Porter Historical Society, which manages the museum in the Youngstown Red Brick, will likewise be a part of this one, with a classic vehicle and banner expected. Members will be out promoting the society as part of a new membership campaign.

The parade will proceed south from Fort Niagara State Park on Main Street to Elliott Street. Visitors are welcome to check out a number of village eateries and specialty outlets that will be open for business that day.

For more information on Labor Day in Youngstown, visit https://www.youngstownny.gov/.

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