Youngstown readies for Labor Day: Annual parade has focus on visitor safety

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Don’t start fretting now, but summer is just about over. Cool weather is already drifting in; the Niagara County Peach Festival is next weekend; and the first day of school at Lew-Port is Sept. 2.

First things first, though: There’s Labor Day in Youngstown! The annual village favorite takes on Main Street starting at noon Monday, Sept. 1. It is organized by the Village of Youngstown.

Trustee Kristel Stevens, parade chair, said plenty of planning has been underway over past weeks for what she anticipates will be another fine event. Road closure permits have been secured; insurance certificates are in place; parade sign ups are done; and arrangements are complete with the village, Youngstown Police and Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co.

“The annual Youngstown Labor Day Parade – this is a very homespun, grassroots parade, made up of those that love our village and traditions!” Stevens said.

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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 various community groups.

Local favorites include the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, the 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.

The parade will proceed south on the village’s Main Street to Elliott Street. Visitors are welcome to check out a number of eateries and specialty outlets that will be open for business that day.

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Stevens said there’s even planning contingencies for any weather disruptions, with parade volunteers ready to assist visitors in the event of problems.

“The parade will go on in the event of rain; please dress accordingly and come prepared,” she said.

In the event of threatening weather, such as thunder and lightning, Stevens said the parade will pause for 30 minutes, with shelter arrangements to be announced for visitors. Accommodations expected to be open include the Falkner Park shelter, Veterans Park shelter, and the Village Center gym at 240 Lockport St. The village said any decisions regarding the parade that day would be made by Stevens, and information would be conveyed by the village’s new text alert system.

“All participants and paradegoers are strongly urged to sign up for village alerts: Text YoungstownAlerts to 91896. You’ll receive instant updates about weather delays and other important info,” the village noted.

Stevens said the focus this year is on “safety first” for visitors and participants.

For more information on Labor Day in Youngstown, visit https://youngstownnewyork.us.