Youngstown’s downtown Christmas tree donated courtesy of local hot dog shop owner
A towering Christmas tree recently arrived to become the centerpiece of upcoming celebrations at Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown courtesy of a local business owner.
City of Youngstown officials celebrated successfully setting up the Christmas tree Nov. 22, which was donated by Poland resident Bill West.
West is the owner of Heck Ya! hot dog shoppe which opened at 1680 McCartney Road in Youngstown this year.
West said he was at a second property he just purchased near the Center Street Bridge when the opportunity arrived to donate the 20-foot tree to the city.
“I had always planned on using the property and putting some kind of a coffee and donut drive through there,” West said. “That tree was there, and I’m working on the on the building when Clemate Franklin from the city drove by, saw it and asked about donating one of the trees. I said, ‘That’s a great idea.’”
On the morning of Nov. 22, Youngstown city police officers and a crane arrived on West’s newly-acquired property to haul the tree away.
The tree was escorted to Federal Plaza in downtown Youngstown and lowered into place using the crane.
“I wonder if the previous owner knew, when he planted the tree 30 years ago, or whatever, how much this would mean to us today,” West said. “The people from the city were great. Some people are coming to lunch at my hot dog shop tomorrow because of this. They didn’t even know that we existed. It ended up being like publicity for our restaurant.”
The tree will be lit during Youngstown’s Light Up Night and after the holiday parade from 4 - 10 p.m. on Dec. 6.
The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting on the square immediately following.
Visit the Youngstown CityScape website for all the information, including a Parade Route Map, Parking/Venues Map, and Complete List of Events.
