The Update | Rooster Statues on Display; Artist Seeks Sponsors for Landmark Art

BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Flock to the Fairgrounds community art project, consisting of 21 statues of the Canfield Fair’s rooster mascot, each 6-feet tall, is now on display at The Shops at Boardman Park in the space that was formerly occupied by Party Max.

The statues, created by local artists and sponsored by local businesses, will remain on view through the holiday season.

The space will be open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The rooster statues will be auctioned off on March 26 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. For information, go to CanfieldFair.com.

Barko Preparing Suspension Bridge Art

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – For 25 years, local fine graphic artist Bob Barko Jr. has been creating pieces of artwork featuring Youngstown’s popular culture. He is working on his latest illustration – Mill Creek Park’s Suspension Bridge – and is seeking sponsors to fund the printing and publicity.

He is seeking 20 sponsors of $100 each and already has 14.

Sponsors will each receive their choice of one of 25 artist’s proofs and their name listed on the art certificate that will accompany each piece.

To reserve a sponsorship, contact Barko via phone or text at 330 881 5819 or e-mail at [email protected] by Dec. 3. 

The 16” by 20” piece will be printed in color on 100-pound white gloss cover stock. It depicts both an overview and up-close details of the familiar landmark, and is a companion piece to Barko’s 2018 release, “Lanterman’s Mill.” The print run will include 250 prints retailing at $20 each and small number of artist’s proofs at $50 each. 

Wampum Christmas Parade Returns

WAMPUM, Pa. – The 49th annual Wampum Christmas Parade returns this Saturday, Dec. 4.

This hour-long tradition kicks off at 1 p.m. with a confetti bomb start. Attendees will see homemade floats, marching bands, fire whistle, candy filled piñatas, dancers, horses, dogs, costumed characters and local dignitaries. A new addition this year is Band Together Pittsburgh, an organization that uses the power of music to engage people on the autism spectrum.

The parade will be dedicated to Frank N. Yoho Jr., a Wayne Township resident who portrayed Santa Claus in the parade for 28 years. He passed away on June 26. 

Spectators can purchase refreshments at After the parade, Santa will be available for photos at Wampum’s gymnasium on Main Street.

Christmas Past Exhibition Adds Hours

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Visitors to  Memories of Christmas Past at the Arms Family Museum can now enjoy the exhibit during evening hours in December on Thursdays from Dec. 2 through 30. The exhibit will remain open until 7 p.m. on those days.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. It will also be open for special hours on Dec. 27  from Nnon to 4 p.m. The final day will be Dec. 31 from noon to 7 p.m. 

Final Music of Noon Concert of the Year

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Dana School of Music’s final Music at Noon concert for the fall term will be Dec.  1 at 12:15 p.m. at The Butler Institute of American Art. The program is free and open to the public.

The concert will feature the Dana Vocal Chamber Ensemble and Dana Chorale, both under the direction of Dr. Hae-Jong Lee.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.