For those of you who couldn't make it to the first annual Buffalo Powder Keg Festival downtown this past weekend, you missed out on a terrific event that left both the city and much of the area buzzing.
Not to be overlooked, the third annual Buffalo Labatt Blue Pond Hockey tournamens held at the Erie Basin Marina was without a doubt one of the best turnouts to date. Overcome by temperatures in the mid-30's, the ice became too unstable to accommodate Sunday's scheduled games. The 112 teams that were to compete were however, were reimbursed with either equipment or cash.
Between the two events, people of all ages visited many attractions stretching from the Erie Basin to downtown. Visitors were impressed by the amount of activity going on in Buffalo, on a brisk winter weekend. From the World's largest ice maze, to tubing down a Skyway off-ramp, downtown Buffalo was filled with excitement and energy as thousands of visitors enjoyed the spectacle.
Shanghai Red's restaurant opened up for the event to serve drinks and refreshments. The highlight of the opening was the buffet at the Grand Ballroom, where tables were set up and ready for guests to enjoy some spectacular sport-friendly food, while looking out at the beautiful panorama of the hockey tournaments and Buffalo waterfront.
The rooftop terrace was also open, where fans could get a terrific view of the event (see entry pic), while utilizing the outdoor rooftop bar. White tents lined the Erie Basin, filled with a variety of different vendors. Downtown, the HSBC Tower opened up its doors for those who wanted to get a closer look at the ice maze, as well as warm up at the ground floor's Tim Hortons. The steady snow may have reeked havoc on the ice and the camera-lens, but it certainly gave a true-Buffalo atmosphere, including the packed Fountain Plaza, where people and their families also flocked to during the festival.
While there is room for improvement and expansion, Buffalo's weekend winter-fest 2010 proved to be an eye-opener for the region and the country alike. It showcased Buffalo at it's finest, and the pride this city has in its variable conditions, regardless of the season. Kudos to Newell and his team for making this possible, and setting a precedent for future winter events.
*Photos and video taken by Nathan Mroz, Buffalonian4life. The pictures don't do justice to the amount of activity and festive atmosphere experienced at this historic event.
The event organizers should be applauded for thier efforts and enthusiasm but get to work planning a more comprehensive festival that is spread out through downtown. I am sure it it can become a major draw, more than the typical "beer tent" bar going activity that it was this year.