July 31, 2025
Hey Neighbors,
Here’s the highlight reel of what’s good in the neighborhood this week/weekend. Plus eats, sweets, and fun stuff on the streets…
Brunchin’
Columbiana County Fair is Poppin’
Day Trippin’ at Midnight with Gervasi
Pup of the Week & AKC Trials in Canfield
Events & Fun Weekend Activities in Youngstown Area
IF YOUR IMAGES aren’t on, you’re missing out!
Sweet Find
Craving Something Sweet?
Menchie’s Has You Covered 🍦
If you’re looking for the perfect treat, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Boardman is where it’s at. With creamy froyo in a huge variety of flavors (including dairy-free options!) and a toppings bar that dreams are made of, it’s the kind of dessert you build your way—and love every bite.
Think fresh fruit, cookie crumbles, candy pieces, syrups, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or want to go all out, Menchie’s is your frozen playground.
The best part? It’s locally owned by a family who truly cares—and you feel it from the moment you walk in. Friendly service, fun vibes, and a treat that makes you smile.
🎉 Stop in today and build your new favorite dessert. You deserve it.
📍 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Presidential Plaza 813 Boardman Poland Rd.
Pup of the Week:
Lulu
Lulu is a 3-month-old Isabella Merle Frenchie with the softest/sweetest personality. Her favorite toy is a paper towel lol and she LOVES food. Aside from her cheetah-like spots, she has 3 different colored eyes. Her left eye is dark hazel and her right eye is light green with a crystal blue spot in the bottom right edge.
Want to feature YOUR pet in the newsletter?
Drop us a line at [email protected]
Love Dogs? Check out this doggie event:
Steel Valley Cluster Dog Show
(Canfield Fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield)
Today – Dog speed & agility trials – Free
Youngstown BRUNCHIN’:
There’s brunch… and then there’s Mahoning Valley brunch. And if you’re like me—founder of Boardman Brunch and proud supporter of locally owned restaurants—you know there’s something extra special about gathering around a table with good food and even better vibes.
Two spots that absolutely deserve the spotlight this week:
✨ House of Bennys – This place is like stepping into someone’s bright, happy home. Natural light pours in through the windows, the staff greets you like family, and the eggs? Always top-tier. It’s one of those rare places where everything feels intentional—from the plate to the atmosphere.
🌱 Franks Café – If you’re looking for vegan-friendly options without sacrificing flavor or comfort, Franks delivers. Their fresh fruit is crisp and vibrant, and the service is genuinely fast and friendly. It’s the kind of place where everyone at your table finds something they love (even the picky ones).
If you’re brunch-obsessed like I am, I’ve got something for you—a full collection of every locally owned restaurant in Boardman so you can start checking them off one plate at a time.
Eat well,
Leann
🎡 Columbiana County Fair is Poppin’
Step right up to Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon, Ohio—a beloved summer tradition for over 180 years! Enjoy something for everyone: livestock exhibitions, arts & crafts, Midway entertainment and rides, local food vendors, plus thrilling grandstand shows and competition judging showcasing community talent
🎟️ Quick Price Facts
General Admission:
Tuesday–Sunday (all‑day): $10 (rides included)
Grandstand Event Admission: additional cost unless specified free:
Friday & Saturday Truck/Tractor Pulls: $10 reserved
Sunday Demolition Derby: $10 reserved;
Combine Derby is free
Free/Entry Promotions:
Children 5 and under
Servicemen/women in full uniform
Tuesday-only (seniors 62+ and veterans with ID)
Bike Night riders (passenger pays gate admission)
ℹ️ Fair Essentials
Gates open:
Monday, July 28 (Entry Day) at 3 PM
Tuesday–Sunday at 8 AM each day
Location: Columbiana County Fairgrounds, 225 Lee Ave, Lisbon, OH 44432
Parking & Access:
Free shuttle service from north‑side lots on Saltwell Rd (SR 45)
Walk in via historic Bow‑String Bridge or Lee Ave gates; limited handicapped & pass‑holder parking onsite
What’s YOUR favorite FAIR FOOD?
Email us at [email protected] for a chance to win FREE Menchie’s
🍪 The Sweetest Tradition in Youngstown
Forget cake—cookies are the real stars at Mahoning Valley weddings!
The legendary Cookie Table dates back to the early 1900s, when Italian and Eastern European families baked love into every bite.
Susan’s Sweet Side is keeping the tradition alive with custom creations like these little lovelies — think hand-decorated, one-of-a-kind cookies that steal the show (and hearts). Imagine uniquely elegant cookies beautifully gracing your wedding table. The fact that they are also delicious is just icing on the cake cookie.
Hidden Gems
Getting to Know Mill Creek Park:
The Lily Pond
by G.M. Gotti
When you visit Mill Creek Park, you are stepping into a beautiful oasis hidden in the midst of the steel valley. Comprised of around 2,658 acres, there are all sorts of lakes, waterfalls, trails, landmarks, and other interesting features nestled within the large park. It is often frequented by avid hikers, fishermen, and lovers of all things outdoors. This feature will introduce you to different parts of this local treasure, beginning with today’s highlight: the Lily Pond.
The Lily Pond sits just inside the park’s western boundary and is easily accessible for visitors. There is a sizeable parking lot with restrooms and a viewing platform to take in the sights. A trail runs around the perimeter of the pond, which allows visitors to enjoy the sights and diverse wildlife. The pond is filled with turtles, some of which are very large, as turtles can live for over 150 years! You will see them swimming near the shore, resting on logs, and pretty much everywhere. There are also frogs, fish, and other creatures to enjoy as you make your way around the pond. The perimeter trail is very stroller and wheelchair-friendly, so people of all ages can enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of this aesthetic place.
For those who want to enjoy the relaxing beauty of the pond but also seek something a little more vigorous, there is a trail that offers hikers a path that begins at the parking lot, winds through the woods, and ends at the nearby Lake Glacier. The trail is just around three-quarters of a mile long and makes its way up a hill as it goes until it heads back downhill towards its end at the lake. From there, hikers can either turn right and explore one of the other trails located along the lake or head back the way they came and return to the Lily Pond. This trail is well-maintained, but strollers are not recommended here due to the more challenging terrain.
Mill Creek Park offers a chance for residents to step into the natural beauty of the outdoors without having to leave the city. The park has its own police force and is regularly patrolled. It is safe, beautiful, and fun for the whole family. Best of all, it is totally free! So come see what you’ve been missing and enjoy this amazing place with someone you love!
1-Hour Road Trip Series
🎶 Day Trippin’ at Midnight 🌙
Piazza After Dark at Gervasi Vineyard
Dates & Time: Hosted on Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 PM to midnight
Setting: Held outdoors on The Piazza, Gervasi’s beautifully designed garden‑plaza overlooking vineyard scenery. It offers a lively Italian‑inspired ambiance, ideal for al fresco fun
Entertainment: Each night features a live DJ set—DJ Nick Duve on August 1 and DJ Christian Dela Vega on August 2—delivering energetic, high‑tempo beats under the stars
Atmosphere: The event promises a festive, glowing summer night vibe, highlighted by cocktails, dynamic lighting, and an electric social gathering
Audience: Targeted to guests seeking a vibrant nightlife experience at a scenic vineyard setting—combining music, drinks, and social energy.

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Music & Unique Events this weekend:
THURSDAY, July 31
Ride & Vibe
(Goodhope Speedway, 2650 Columbiana Rd., New Springfield)
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Car show & social gathering with DJ & food – Free
Harry Potter’s Crushed Glass Bday Bash
(Wonderstruck Artisan)
5:30 PM – Themed craft event with crushed-glass art & butterbeer
Fantasy Book Club
(POP Art Books Culture, 211 W. Federal St., Youngstown)
6:30 PM – Slow-readers’ discussion of fantasy lit – Free
Drum Journey Sound Bath Meditation
(Center for Sound Therapy)
7:00 PM – Drum-based sound healing meditation
Bar Bingo with Rob
(Tangier Bar & Pizza)
9:00 PM – Bingo night hosted by Roberto Musch – &&&&&&&&&&&
Steel Valley Cluster Dog Show
(Canfield Fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Rd., Canfield)
8:00 AM – Dog speed & agility trials – Free
BrewR/E Series: Realtor CE & Happy Hour
(Penguin City Brewing Co., 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Realtor CE credits + drink specials – Free
Creative Thursdays
(Phelps Street Gateway, Downtown Youngstown)
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Open-air art & community creativity – Free
Music in the Park Concert Series
Boardman Park
6:30pm
Free
Rough Truck Event
(Grandstand, Columbiana Fairgrounds, Lisbon, Ohio)
7:00 PM – Modified-truck demolition & racing – Paid
Wizard Fest
Full Circle Body Art, Sharon, PA; get "sorted" by our hat, make a wand or spell book ; 12PM - 8PM; $5
FRIDAY August 1
Teacher Flea
(7320 N. Palmyra Rd., Canfield)
9:00 AM – Back-to-school market for teachers – Free
Seniors & Caregivers Expo
(Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, Austintown)
10:00 AM – Health & wellness resources fair – Free
Bingo & Bling – Designer Purse Bingo
(6000 Mahoning Ave., Austintown)
Doors 5:00 PM / Start 6:30 PM – Bingo with designer purse prizes – $50
The Cugines on the Patio
(131 W. Commerce St., Youngstown)
7:00 PM – Italian-folk live music – Free
Summer Slam
(Westside Bowl, 4747 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown)
8:00 PM – Multi-band rock showcase – Free
Greater Youngstown Italian Fest (plus Frankie Valli)
(Central Square, 100 Federal Plaza E, Youngstown)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM – Street festival with Italian food & music – Free
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Last Encores
(DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown)
8:00 PM – Tribute concert performance – $59–$149
Car & Bike Show - Quaker City Cruisers
(The Eagles Lodge #395, 119 E. State St., Salem)
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Classic cars & motorcycles on display – Free
Saturday, August 2
Safety Forces Appreciation Picnic
(Poland Township Park, 238 Homer St., Poland)
11:00 AM – Community picnic honoring first responders – Free
Soup City Block Party
(Campbell Main St., Campbell)
12PM – Reunion block party with DJs & live entertainment – Free
A Night with The Burke School of Irish Dance
(St. Luke’s Hall, 5225 S. Ave. B, Girard)
5:00 PM – Irish-dance showcase – Free
Total Package Band
(The Brickhouse Tavern, 527 Elm St., Boardman)
7:00 PM – High-energy rock & soul – Free
Leanne Binder
(Gorant Dessert Bar, 400 Boardman-Poland Rd., Boardman)
7:00 PM – Singer-songwriter indie set – Free
Elm Road Triple Drive-In 75th Anniversary
(1895 Elm Rd. NE, Warren)
7:00 PM – Anniversary celebration with face-painting & retro films – Free
Power Pull Truck & Tractor Pull
(Grandstand, Fairgrounds, Lisbon, Ohio)
7:00 PM – High-power pull contest – Paid
Sunday, August 3
Cars in the Park
(Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Rd., Boardman)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – 46th annual classic-car exhibition – Free
Jazz in the Park
(Wick Park, 260 Park Ave., Youngstown)
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Stacey “Sarah’s Girl” Richardson & Bryan Golden – Free
NEW WAVE NATION - Salem Summer Concert Series
Waterworth Memorial Park in Salem
Bring your own lawn chairs; 50/50
6PM start - Free
Demolition Derby
(Grandstand, Columbiana Fairgrounds, Lisbon, Ohio)
6:30 PM – Car demolition competition – Paid
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, whatever you’re up to…
and we’ll see you next Thrusday with all the best happenings in the Valley.






