It's expected to be a busy weekend in Downtown Youngstown as the 11th Annual Federal Frenzy Music and Arts Festival will welcome thousands Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.

Downtown businesses like Penguin City rely heavily on events that draw in the crowds to drive up their sales. But after seemingly endless hurdles and roadblocks in the way for businesses downtown, 21 News spoke with Penguin City Owner Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki to get her take on the city's current state.

The YSU-led event typically brings in 7,500 people. Lyras-Bernacki said these events keep the business going. But the downtown district's future prosperity is uncertain.

"In 2019, I would be downtown and I'd meet up with friends at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The patios would be packed. I don't really see that anymore," Lyras-Bernacki said. "So many years of people on social media posting negativity about the road closures and the Realty Building just really hurt us. It steered people away from us."

The COVID-19 pandemic, construction-driven road closures, and the Realty Tower's explosion and subsequent demolition left many businesses with no choice but to pick up and go. In early April, 21 News reported Mark Canzonetta, owner of Casa Di Canzonetta in downtown Youngstown, is questioning the city and Mayor Tito Brown on what he said is a lack of support for downtown.

"I always tell food trucks that want to go brick and mortar to come downtown," Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki added. "But they're so scared to come downtown, and I don't blame them."

Bernacki insists the city's administration needs to improve its communication and support for local businesses. 

"It's almost like we need to connect better with the local businesses," she added. "It needs to be streamlined where, if you're a local business, this is everything you need."

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown has discussed a potential long-term strategic plan aiming to deal with the frustration that downtown business owners are facing. He said he also has to focus on city parks, homes, and neighborhoods, and can't put all of his eggs in one basket.

"We'd love to see city leaders getting out there and coming to the places," Lyras-Bernacki added. "We want to see city officials visiting, talking to us, and seeing how we're doing.  We have people who come in here, but we need them to really get in there."

Lyras-Bernacki strives to have a downtown district as lively as it was pre-pandemic.

"Ever since COVID-19, Youngstown has tried hard to bounce back," 21 News Anchor Erin Simonek said to Lyras-Bernacki. "But it seems like it still hasn't reached its peak?"

"No, I don't think we have," Lyras-Bernacki said. "If we could get it to that 2018/2019 mode, we'd be set. That was a time when there was a lot going on. There was. There was just this buzz of new businesses starting, shows, and excitement, and groups coming together and really making things happen."

"We are seeing Airbnb's and more apartments coming to the city," Simonek said to Lyras-Bernacki. "Your business is right here in the downtown district. Would you recommend someone to live here?"

"Of course I want people living downtown," Lyras-Bernacki said. "I've never lived downtown. My friends love being downtown, but they were disappointed in the lack of access to essentials like gas stations or grocery stores."

Lyras-Bernacki is calling for broader marketing strategies along with a boost in communication from Youngstown's administration.

"Are you staying optimistic?" 21 News asked.

"I have to," Lyras-Bernacki said with a smile on her face. "I love Youngstown. I love downtown. It's a slow climb, I mean that's just what it's going to be. I feel like we're on the trajectory to take off, and I hope we can get there. We are here. Come on down. I am always going to put 100% into this."

Federal Frenzy begins Friday at Penguin City from 4 until 11 p.m. The excitement continues Saturday along West Federal Street from 2 until 11 p.m. Visit this link to view the performance line-up for this year's event.