Good morning, Youngstown.

Girard held the second Christmas in the Park event on Saturday at David Tod Memorial Park as local officials moved it earlier to avoid the cold and snow of December.

The event featured a toy giveaway by local first responders and fun activities like a Santa ride on a fire truck — a warm start to the holidays for many families.

Santa Claus will visit the Girard Free Library today at 6 p.m. by firetruck — the Grinch will join him so people can take photos and decorate cookies.

The Youngstown Model Railroad Association will hold an open house on Saturday, Sunday, and on Dec. 13 and 14 in Austintown while the library hosts a holiday craft on Thursday, Walk with a Doc runs at Southern Park Mall from 10 to 11 a.m., volunteers are needed for Friday’s holiday parade from 3 to 8 p.m., and Blackstone Funeral Home will sponsor wreath placement at Girard City Cemetery.

On Nov 29, local shops in Mahoning Valley celebrated Small Business Saturday with community events (Ohio has over 87,000 small business retailers and 1.1 million small businesses employing over 2.2 million Ohioans) as neighborhood entrepreneurs gained support from local shoppers.

Stambaugh Auditorium will host the 9th Annual Holiday Craft Show this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—with 82 vendors across three floors offering holiday décor, baked goods, pet apparel, and handmade artwork.

The event will also include the 52nd Tuba Christmas concert starting at 4:00 p.m. and food available for purchase in the Jeanne D. Tyler Grand Ballroom.

People of all ages enjoyed the annual Christmas at the Mill event last weekend at Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Park—local artisans, vendors, and Santa Claus helped celebrate the holiday season with crafts, foods, and festive activities.

Bob Barko Jr. and others showcased art that captured Youngstown’s spirit while the event brought a community focus to local traditions.

Students in grades 4-7 took part in a STEAM program from September through November offered by the Trumbull County Educational Service Center—using career carts to learn skills in welding, robotics, and more.

They will showcase their projects to families on Wednesday at Lordstown High School from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Trumbull County students in grades 4 through 7 spent the semester in a STEAM program by the Trumbull County Educational Service Center exploring career paths in areas such as welding, coding, engineering and performing arts—teaching them practical skills, and they will showcase their projects to family and the public from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Lordstown High School.

Mercy Health has urged Youngstown residents to get a flu shot and practice good hygiene to fight the flu this season — Dr. Jim Kravec said vaccination can reduce symptoms and that staying home when sick helps protect others.

Mercy Health in Youngstown urges residents to get the flu vaccine & follow good hygiene as cold and flu season continues.

Dr. Jim Kravec said these steps can reduce severe symptoms and slow the spread of illness during holiday gatherings.

On Saturday, Youngstown State lost 43-42 to Yale in the FCS playoffs at Stambaugh Stadium when Yale scored 29 unanswered points after YSU built a 42-14 lead — the dramatic turnaround left the team and fans reeling.

Head coach Doug Phillips said the collapse was a tough setback that will drive efforts to improve next season.

Shaun Cassidy Live Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Robins Theatre — VIP Experience Available — Enjoy an evening with Shaun Cassidy featuring his music and story-telling.

USA Hockey NTDP U-18 vs Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Cost info available online — Watch Team USA take on the Youngstown Phantoms in an exciting hockey matchup.

Mistletoe Mingle for Singles

5-8 p.m. — Penguin City Brewing Company — Bring a donation for the Humane Society for extra chances to win prizes — Mix and mingle with other singles under the mistletoe for a night of fun and connection.

Omaha Lancers vs Youngstown Phantoms

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Covelli Centre — Watch the Omaha Lancers take on the Youngstown Phantoms in an exciting hockey matchup.

Green Thumb: Paint, Plant & Sip

6-9 p.m. — Smash-On Party Center — Cost not specified — Unwind with a creative evening of painting pots and enjoying smooth vibes with friends.