How is it that we are so sensitive about environmental impact of just about everything we own or use, but we welcome the discharge of potassium carbonate, potassium sulphate, potassium sulphide, dioxins from copper, sulfur, and other chemicals in levels that would shut down any industrial operation. Take a look at the sky after any fireworks show and wonder to yourself "what is in all that smoke and where is it going?".

I wonder what the impact of fireworks is on Global Warming? What is the true impact of all of the displays that take place across the country over the July 4th weekend? What about all the displays for New Years Eve, that take place around the globe over a 24 hour period? When do you think it will become politically incorrect to have these displays at all?

This is a great event and I hope that this becomes the place of choice for city events like this.

This event dawned a new era for Buffalo, we pulled up in the boat around 7pm just to check it out and ended up staying untill after the fireworks. Thousands of people stretched out from here to the hatch, well over a hundred boats in the water also. With the music, the sunset, the views around the Buffalo River one never would of thought we were in the same ole' Buffalo of a year ago. I hope the Mayor and other city officials were present to witness the fact that if you build it, they will come! Last night proved beyond a doubt that a well planned waterfront venue is sorely needed and wanted by the people of this city. Lets get the cafes, coffee shops, pocket parks and boutiques up and running Byron! [ a few more day slips along the breakwall would be an added bonus!]

[I agree Lifer, the music choice was a bit odd, "Boy's of Summer" would of been more fitting, but, still a fun evening]

I'd come down more often when the shops and restaurants open up. Right now, it looks nice, but to look and stroll through.

The News @6pm had a story about the fireworks show ...and added $6.00 to park your car???...Exactly the reason people fled to the suburbs to do their shopping! We went to UB Amherst , parked for free, and had the usual superb display with the convenience of parking free, close to your vehicle so as not to have to lug chairs, coolers etc. Not a bad situation for a afamily with children..so dont tell me about rail,bus etc..not practical here! I'm sure the show was excellent, but even Riverside Park was more practical to a family with young children.

The News @6pm had a story about the fireworks show ...and added $6.00 to park your car???...Exactly the reason people fled to the suburbs to do their shopping! We went to UB Amherst , parked for free, and had the usual superb display with the convenience of parking free, close to your vehicle so as not to have to lug chairs, coolers etc. Not a bad situation for a afamily with children..so dont tell me about rail,bus etc..not practical here! I'm sure the show was excellent, but even Riverside Park was more practical to a family with young children.

Joey, u could have also parked near the UB Metro Station, parked for free and only spend ONY $2. to go downtown and avoid the traffic jams and high cost of parking or the stress of finding a spot and getting back home in a traffic jam. Just something to think about next time.

Joey-I bet it was really fun sitting in all that traffic trying to make your way home. I watched the fireworks sitting on rocks surrounded by huge old buildings and grain elevators overlooking a river full of docked sailboats and the view coupled with the echo was amazing.. I parked for free without any trouble, and was home in 10 mins without any traffic. When I have kids,this is the kind of view I will be exposing them too. To each there own I guess.

When is the last time you saw that many people downtown AT NIGHT for something other than a Sabres game. Just curious what type of police presence was around. Anyone make any observations?

Joey, keep to the patio home, and quit posting here about why vanilla ice cream is the coolest. Some people are just a little boring, best not to bring attention to yourself. (Have the kids been South of Sheridan?)

For the rest of you, congrats on a night well done.

It look like it was a great event, what fourth for Buffalo.. I do wish i could have joined but watched fireworks elsewhere this year.

On a different but slightly off 4th of July topic I talked to one of the engineers for the Whipple truss bridge and he was disgusted to find out that you can't ride your bike over it considering that he and the architects designed it for that exact purpose. There is a middle lane two way moving traffic (including bikes) and the side areas are for people to stand and read the signs. It was designed to allow it.. so who whispered in who's ear to get them banned.

For Einstein http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1833/85/

People on this site seem to find ANYTHING to whine and complain about. Whatever. If you don't like fireworks, then don't go. If you can't figure out how to park your car in the city, then don't go. Obviously there were thousands of other people that WERE able to figure it out.

It was a great weekend for the Harbor. Seeing all those people down there was just amazing. It will only get better from here.

this looks like it was a great event! congrats to all those involved in putting it together. the lightening on the bridge looks really well done.

Yes, bravo 300 miles -- there will always be those who will find a way to get down here and those that chose not to expend the effort. Simply nice to see that chose to go had great time and are beginning to take advantage of the investments that were made at Erie Canal Harbor. Transformation always begin with small steps -- here's to a great end of the beginning and hoping there's more to come.

I work right on the water front and I 've never seen it this packed. I was quite proud of my little city. It was at that moment that I knew people would start crying about the parking, traffic, and people. These of course are the same people who complain that Buffalo is not doing enough to grow as a city.

funny, when I left right after the fireworks, a MetroRail was pulling out but most people were walking to their parked cars. Unfortunate. Me and a few of my buds walked from the West Side and it's a neighborhood as well as the newer neighborhoods brought into walking distance being in downtown. what's up your craw, al-alo?

parking wasn't a problem for me, I kayaked all the way from Ellicott Crick. the ride home sucked though.

Was the boat slip filled with fescies and sewage furing thie glorious event.

I am sure right after the fireworks, everyone left because there is nothing to do there.

I hear that 90% of everyone who went was a crackhead.

With gas prices nearing $5 a gallon, who really wants to drive now anyways. Bus and Rail is cheaper, but NFTA does need to improve it's system....alot.

Anyone know if there are plans to bring Thursday in the Square down here for next season? I hope so. It has completely outgrown the current space and it draws from all over WNY, so it would be nice to introduce some of our neighbors to the newly developed waterfront. Any action down there will help persuade retailers to invest in the area. I wonder why no complaints about parking for Thursday in the square? As for the easier access to parking in the suburbs??? Try going to class at UB North and you'll see that parking can be an issue anywhere. But, to complain about parking in that area of downtown demonstrates ignorance of the area. There are always dozens of free spots, if you know where to find them.

Colin, how did you know that? Was your Dad there?

Donald, I only have one issue with the entire article. When you wrote the the fireworks went "for a good half hour." Seriously? I agree that the event was amazing and I really enjoyed the bands but the fireworks were scheduled to start at 9:45 and didn't start until almost 10:20. Also, the paltry display ended by 10:35. My friends and I loved the event and the entire Central Wharf/Inner Harbor area is very nice but we all mentioned how poor the fireworks display was. However, we also weren't bothered by that because they put the whole thing together in only a couple of weeks. Just wanted the article to be accurate.