The 2011-12 Lewiston Youth Advisory Council will debut its 24-minute video, entitled “Cool Happenings on Lisbon Street,” on Saturday, February 11 at 2:30 p.m. at The Downstage at LA Arts, 5 Canal Street Alley, Lewiston. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the free event.

Why film what’s happening on Lisbon Street? LYAC members have heard about Lisbon Street bustling with activity years ago. They wanted to remind residents and visitors alike that today’s Lisbon Street is being rejuvenated one storefront at a time and wanted to capture that activity as an image booster for Lewiston. The video was both filmed and edited by youth council members in partnership with Great Falls TV.

Filming was done over a period of two days. Some of the businesses featured in the video include: Kaplan University, Paul’s Clothing & Shoe Store, LA Arts, Baraka Store, Lewiston Public Library, Captive Elements Art, Forage, The Vault, Niky’s Greek Restaurant, Chill Yoga, Mother India, Gallery 5, Fuel, Dube’s Florist, pharmacist Dr. Abdifatah Ahmed, Global Halal Store, The Public Theatre (in Lisbon Street corridor) along with New York actor Dan Matisa, and local theatre supporter “Mona.”

LYAC was pleased to hear first-hand about the energy being experienced on Lisbon Street as evidenced by comments from folks such as The Vault owner Susan Hall: “A real renaissance is happening here, not only with different businesses but with growing businesses,” she said. “We’ve got an abundance of new local talent taking hold here. I have like-minded neighbors who see this as the renaissance and the happening area in Lower Lisbon Street.”

The Vault, a specialty fine wine and craft beer shop, is at 84 Lisbon Street.

At the February 11 event, pictures of Lisbon Street “then and now” will be displayed, and LYAC members will share their personal impressions from filming in the downtown. LYAC also hopes to have some hors d’oeuvres from Lisbon Street restaurants on hand for attendees to sample.

Inquiries about the event may be directed to LYAC, 513-3000, ext. 3205.