The Things You Find In Buffalo
This morning I was getting ready for a waterfront bike tour and I noticed one of my neighbors dressed in full lacrosse gear waiting for a ride. I almost asked him where his game was, but I held off and headed out to meet my party. The bike party met at Bidco Marine down near General Mills along the Buffalo River. We knew that we were going to discover some cool things along the way, though a couple of us were truly amazed when we approached Father Conway Park Between Ohio & Louisiana Streets.
Now I have seen a lot of softball being played there as of late, but what we discovered earlier today was a regional lacrosse tournament being held. There were teams from all over the place and a number of games were all being played under the watchful eyes of both parents and coaches. This was no simple pick-up game, the teams that were there meant business and it was great fun to watch the play for a short stint. A regional lacrosse tournament in the city... who knew?
Lacrosse has always been quite popular in Buffalo and Upstate New York. It contributes just a little bit to a "sense of place" where there's an obscure sport that's considered almost mainstream in the area.
Now, how about curling? Clubs in Rochester, Utica, Cleveland, Pittsburgh ... it has a growing following. That is, everywhere but Buffalo, RIGHT ON THE CANADIAN BORDER.