New & upcoming Village of Youngstown events

‘BBQ & Boil’

Press release

Come one, come all to the “BBQ & Boil” event sponsored by the Friends of the Youngstown Free Library on Sunday, Aug. 30. This enjoyable event will be held from 2-7 p.m. at Bandana's, 930 Lake Road, Youngstown.

For more information, contact the Youngstown Free Library at 716-745-3555. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Youngstown Free Library.

NU President Maher to begin Youngstown Lions new year of service

Press release

The Youngstown Lions Club invites the Western New York community to a memorable evening as it commences its new year of dedicated service and leadership, beginning with its special opening meeting of the 2026-27 program year Tuesday, Sept. 1, led by incoming president Paul Rampado.

Held at the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, this open-to-the-public gathering will begin with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. Following will be installation of new officers and board members, to be officiated by Lions past district 20N governor, along with initiation of two new members to the club.

The evening will be highlighted by the keynote address on Youngstown Lions' commitment to leadership and community service by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. Maher is NU's 26th president and has been widely recognized due to his ongoing commitment to service, social justice, and a transformative educational experience for students of all ages. A true example of servant leadership, Maher will share insights to further the "We Serve!" motto of the Youngstown Lions Club in its new year of community engagement in Western New York.

For more information on Youngstown Lions Club and/or to make a reservation for Sept. 1, contact Suzanne DeJoseph at 716-807-8875.

Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue

Submitted

The Youngstown Ladies Auxiliary drive‑thru, pick‑up-only Chiavetta’s Chicken barbecue will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Youngstown Firehall, 625 Third St. Presale tickets are $15 (through Sept. 12). Prices then rise to $18.

Viverito’s OFN French Castle miniature on display

Submitted

An Old Fort Niagara Association display depicting, in miniature, the “French Castle Through Time – 1726-1900” is on display at the Lockport Public Library, 23 East Ave. Six unique models of the French Castle are on display at the library main entrance. They were created by Philip Viverito in 1987.

Philip Viverito with his creations. (Submitted photos)

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J/111 North American Championship brings elite one-design sailing to Youngstown

Press release

Youngstown is set to welcome some of the best sailors in North America as the 2026 International J/111 Class North American Championship comes to the Niagara River Aug. 26-29. Racing begins at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and continue daily throughout the week.

Hosted by the Youngstown Yacht Club and Youngstown Community Boating, the four-day championship will bring J/111 teams from across the U.S. and Canada to Youngstown for high-level, one-design sailboat racing on the waters of Lake Ontario and the Lower Niagara River.

The event is being organized in partnership with the International J/111 Class Association. There will be a champions dinner to begin the event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Youngstown Yacht Club, 491 Water St.

The J/111 is a 36.5-foot high-performance racing yacht designed for competitive offshore and inshore racing. With crews racing identical boats under strict one-design class rules, the championship places a premium on boat handling, sail trim, tactics and teamwork.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Youngstown and the entire Niagara Region to showcase what makes our waterfront such a special place for sailing,” said Larry Quinn of the Youngstown Yacht Club. “We are excited to welcome the J/111 class and its competitors and provide them with a first-class championship experience both on and off the water.

A championship on the Niagara River

Racing will take place throughout the championship week, with teams competing for the title of J/111 North American champion. The event schedule includes measurement and registration activities followed by multiple days of championship racing.

For Youngstown, the championship represents more than a major sailing event. It is an opportunity to introduce visiting sailors, families and supporters to the community’s waterfront, local businesses and attractions.

The Youngstown Yacht Club has a long history of promoting sailing and competitive racing on the Niagara River. Founded in 1931, the club hosts a variety of racing and sailing programs throughout the season.

“Hosting a championship of this caliber demonstrates the strength of sailing in Western New York,” Shane Vanstrom said. “Youngstown has an incredible natural venue, a strong sailing community, and a waterfront that is uniquely suited to hosting major regattas.”

The J/111 North Americans are expected to bring sailors, family members, coaches and supporters to the area for several days of competition and community activities.

For spectators, the championship provides an opportunity to see some of the most competitive one-design racing in the region from the Youngstown waterfront.

More about the J/111 class: The International J/111 class is a competitive, one-design sailing class featuring crews racing identical J/111 yachts. The class places an emphasis on close racing, teamwork and Corinthian competition.

More about Youngstown Yacht Club: Founded in 1931, the Youngstown Yacht Club is located on the Niagara River. The club supports sailing, racing, junior sailing and community boating programs while serving as a hub for the local sailing community.