This news hit Lego fans like a ton of bricks when it was announced a couple months ago.

For the first time, the Brick Convention will come to the Mahoning Valley.

Dubbed (by itself) as “the ultimate event for lovers of the little plastic blocks,” the Brick Convention is now here. It will take place this weekend, Aug. 15-16, at the Metroplex Expo Center on Belmont Avenue in Liberty.

The show will feature the best of the best.

Professional Lego artists will display their eyepopping creations and meet with fans. 

Other attractions will include:

  • Retail shopping: Lego merchandise, including retired and new sets, hard-to-find items and goodies from multiple vendors, will be available to purchase.
  • Star Wars Zone: A collection of creations from the Star Wars universe.
  • Brick Pits: Thousands of Lego bricks to build with.
  • Artists: Professional Lego artist meet-and-greet sessions.
  • Fan Zone: Some epic Lego creations will be erected by local builders.

Tickets are $14.99 and are available for either or both days. To purchase, click HERE.

Any Lego fan who doesn’t go might be a few bricks shy of a load.

Some proceeds from the event will go to Build Smiles Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit that buys new Lego sets for underprivileged children around the world during the holidays.

Brier Hill Italian Fest

For one weekend every year, the Brier Hill neighborhood in Youngstown reclaims the life and spirit that it once had.

It will take place today through Sunday at the Brier Hill Italian Fest, at the intersection of Calvin and Victoria streets on the North Side slope.

Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight today and Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday and 1 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Admission is free.

The morra tournament will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The hot pepper contest is at 6 p.m. Saturday (register between 5-6 p.m.), and the wine-tasting contest will start at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Live music will feature the Jim Frank Combo, the Mikey Dee Band, The Rex Taneri Orchestra and The Cugines. Antonio & the Mambo Italianos will play from 9-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Before the steel mills started to close, Brier Hill was a thriving neighborhood whose residents were mostly Italian immigrants and their ancestors. 

Other Events

  • YO Night: Angelo Babbaro, the voice of Frank Sinatra, will sing at Friday night’s YO Night event at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. The party is being presented by Casa di Canzonetta in the downtown Doubletree Hotel in Youngstown, and also Imbibe Martini Bar and Imbibe. Stop at any of those places before the show to get a Dora wristband and free admission to The Amp. Otherwise, admission is $10 (free for those with a valid YSU ID card or anyone under 21).
  • Beach Boy: Al Jardine, one of the founding members of the Beach Boys, will play the music of that iconic American act and its leader, Brian Wilson, at the Robins Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Jardine will be accompanied by the Pet Sounds Band. Click HERE for tickets.

Pictured at top: Some of the fantastic Lego creations that will be displayed at the Brick Convention this weekend at the Metroplex in Liberty.