This coming Wednesday Canalside will be the place to be, as crowds will gather by the water to watch a Fourth of July spectacular that has created quite a big buzz on recent years. I remember the days when there was no reliable Fourth of July celebration in downtown Buffalo. It was always a mystery as to what to do, and where people would end up. There were many attempts to pull something off, but nothing ever stuck, which was a bummer because people would have to travel to catch a great fireworks display.
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Thankfully the days of waiting are over, and Canalside now has just about everything that you could possibly want to enjoy The Fourth, including concessions and restaurants. Also, don't forget that the Erie Basin Marina and The Cobblestone District are close by and each have their own amenities to make a visit to the harbor even more enjoyable.
Come by boat or come by Metro Rail. Bring a blanket and/or a folding chair, but leave the picnic basket at home as concessions will be available at the site. While you're at Canalside on Wednesday, look for special events for the kids organized by Explore and More Children's Museum - a museum that will one day have a permanent home at the Inner Harbor. According to Buffalo Place, other programming includes Buffalo Trivia with Quizmaster Dennis George and a Flag Folding Ceremony. Musical performances will include The George Scott Big Band of the Colored Musicians Club and The Jim Tudini Big Band with Ben Baia & Elena Cala and Special Guest Bella Buscarino. Fireworks over the Buffalo River will begin at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Come down early and get a good spot to watch the show.
The Metro Rail drops you right into the action, or consider biking down to the event.
Sponsored by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. Made possible by Buffalo Place. Photo: Joe Cascio
There will be huge crowds. The concessions can't possibly service the crowds. They didn't last year and because of that we won't be going this year. To stop or prohibit the public from bringing refreshments to a public space during such a large event is just wrong. At a concert it is different, it is a much smaller crowd and it is usually just beer. There will be plenty of people that don't want to "carry" and will be happy to buy concession products. I doubt on the 4th that they would be able to handle that. While the event will be great I'm sure I can't wait for the feed back on the concessions. I hope they learn.
Is bringing your own food/drink prohibited, discouraged, or merely optional? The article says there's no need, but doesn't say it is not allowed.
Either way, I hope there are sufficient trash and recycling receptacles available so the area isn't left as a giant trash heap when the crowds depart.
From Buffalo Place's web site...."Coolers, cans, bottles and outside concessions are not permitted on the event grounds. Nominally priced concessions will be available for purchase on-site."
I can hear them say let them buy food and drinks. Buffalo place is one of the things that is wrong with downtown. There is no one on the board to represent the people of Buffalo. It is all high profile elite and with it comes that elitist attitude. Buffalo Place protects their interests.
The 4th of July is a "family" holiday. When I was a kid I remember carrying the cooler of snacks and drinks to the fireworks; it was the only way we could afford to go many places (6kids). How many families in Buffalo can afford to go to the firework display (yeah I know it is free)? I'm talking going sitting down having a pop and a snack for a family of 4. Lasalle Park was much more family friendly.