AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Austintown Township Park turned pink on Sunday for the third annual Pink Out Mahoning Valley — an event focused on celebrating survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and supporting those currently battling cancer.

The all-day music festival featured local bands, food vendors, and community organizations offering information about cancer resources and support programs. Unlike many events held during October, organizers say this one isn’t about raising money — it’s about raising spirits.

“This all started when Sheila approached me at an event and asked if I’d consider doing something that focused more on celebration than fundraising,” said co-organizer Jenna Shank, who helped launch the event three years ago. “We wanted survivors to come out, focus on the music, and not worry about their chemo or their bills — just be together and support one another.”

Shank said while the organization does smaller fundraisers throughout the year to cover event costs like renting the band shell, Pink Out Mahoning Valley is meant to be a free and welcoming celebration. “We didn’t want people to come here thinking about donations. We wanted them to celebrate life and know they’re not alone,” she added.

For co-founder Sheila Kroll-Dickinson, the event carries deeply personal meaning. A 10-year breast cancer survivor currently battling ovarian cancer, she said her mission is to make sure others know where to find help.

“I don’t ever want to hear a woman say she didn’t get a mammogram because she didn’t have insurance,” Kroll-Dickinson said. “There are people and programs out there to help — you just have to know where to find them.”

The celebration also highlights the healing power of music, which Kroll-Dickinson describes as a key part of the event’s atmosphere. “Like we always say, music heals the soul,” she said. “You see people dancing, laughing, moving around — and that’s what it’s all about.”

Performers included local artists such as Silver Springs: A Fleetwood Mac Experience, One Fine Day, and members of the Fitch Rock Band. The Vindys also made a special guest appearance for a short acoustic set.

Kroll-Dickinson and Shank say the support from sponsors and the community has allowed the event to grow each year. Their vision for the future is to keep expanding — bringing the music and message of hope to even more people.