The Update | Lecture on Christmas ‘Givers and Punishers’; Youngstown Film Fest Seeks Submissions
YOUNGSTOWN – Christmas historian George Johnson will lecture on “Yuletide Gift Givers and Punishers” at noon Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Tyler History Center, downtown. Admission is free.
The program, part of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Bites and Bits of History series, will highlight the history of Yuletide gift givers, such as Santa Claus, and their punishing counterparts, such as Krampus. Several cultures will be explored including pre-Christian figures, Norse, Roman, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian and English.
Johnson has been a Christmas historian and collector since he ran an advertisement in a local newspaper in 1971, asking the community for old bubble lights. Today, he has one of the most recognized Christmas collections in the country.
His collection has been featured in national magazines, and he has authored four Christmas collector books.
A retired educator, he has traveled throughout the nation and Europe in search of rare collectibles.
Youngstown Film Festival Seeks Submissions
AUSTINTOWN – The inaugural Youngstown Film Festival will take place Feb. 26 at Golden Star Theater in Austintown.
Feature films and shorts can be submitted for inclusion in one of the 15 categories, said organizer Adam Michael. The deadline to submit is Jan. 31.
Awards will be given in all categories, with the top overall film receiving a $300 prize.
To rules, information and to submit films, go to youngstownfilmfestival.com.
Summer-long Tickets for Blossom, Star Lake
Live Nation is again offering the Lawn Pass, a season ticket that offers admission to all 2023 concerts at major amphitheaters, including Star Lake and Blossom.
For a price of $199, Lawn Pass provides general admission lawn seating and Fast Lane access for more than 30 concerts at the venues.
Lawn Pass will go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at lawnpass.livenation.com (select the desired amphitheater from the pulldown menu).
Promotions at YSU Hoops Games
YOUNGSTOWN – Fans who attend Youngstown State University men’s and women’s basketball games can take advantage of Thursday Thursdays and Hot Dog Wallys Friday throughout the 2022-23 season.
Thursday home games at Beeghly Center on the YSU campus will feature $2 beers. Additionally, all Friday home games will feature $2 hot dogs.
For the full list of promotions and dates, visit the YSU Men’s Basketball Promotional Schedule and Women’s Basketball Promotional Schedule.
Spice and Nice Performance
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Youngstown-based musical group Spice and Nice will perform at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the meeting room at Denny’s restaurant, 4020 Belmont Ave.
Admission is $10 ($5 for McGuffey Historical Society members). Reservations are suggested; call 330 726 8277.
Pictured at top: Krampus, depicted in this antique drawing, will be among the Christmas “punishers” that will be discussed in a presentation at Tyler History Center.
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