Penguin Productions are upping the ante on the biggest Youngstown State University Homecoming ever. Thursday will be the first ever Fall Fire Fest. The event will run from 7-11 p.m. on the new green located on Grant Street — across from the new M-27 parking lot and between Belmont Avenue and Ford Street.
It is not only open and free to YSU students, but also to the general population. Only a valid, state-issued ID for those wishing to consume alcohol is necessary.
The bonfire will include a Penguin Pride Rally to promote support of the university’s student athletes.
“The football team will sing the fight song. Captains may get up to speak a little,” Taylor Garland, a member of the Penguin Productions Committee, said.
YSU cheerleaders — who will cheer throughout the event — will accompany the team. There will also be a pep talk from Eric Wolford, the football head coach.
That rally will be sandwiched between two musical acts. Bronze Radio Return, an indie group from Connecticut will open. The group has opened for John Mayer and Grace Potter and performed for President Obama in 2010.
Bronze Radio Return has been interested in YSU for some time.
“Their booking agent reached out to us previously about maybe coming here … They’re a good, upbeat band, so we figured they would be perfect for this event,” Garland said.
Headlining the night will be national recording artist Josh Kelley who is set to begin at 9:15 p.m. Contests have been running all week to give away meet-and-greets with him.
Food and drink will be available from vendors, the Alternative Food Truck and the Rolling Pig. YSU’s student government will also be sponsoring fall-themed treats.
