A friend of mine, Trina Tardone, is hosting (tending bar) Bike and Boat Night at McCarthy’s Irish Pub on Wednesdays. McCarthy’s has been growing in popularity with the bike and boat crowd, so it was only natural for Trina to suggest that her ‘night on’ be devoted to promoting the two cultures. It just so happened that two of her activist acquaintances, Justin Booth and Pierre Wallinder, were both looking for ways to promote their own interests – biking and boating. Both activists were pushing for a way to bring people together who share their passions, and with the introduction of Rusty Chain Beer to McCarthy’s, along with the bar’s proximity to the water, the three teamed up.
Pierre Wallinder has been looking for partners who believe that there should be a floating waterfront classroom (see post) where maritime students can obtain ‘hands on’ experience. Pierre is a Board Member of the Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education Foundation (BUOEF) – there has been a push to find a ship suitable for the classroom, and it looks as if the BUOEF has located the perfect vessel. On May 15th, the Spirit of Buffalo, a 73′ topsail schooner (photo) will sail into Buffalo’s harbor where she will dock permanently. “This is incredible news for the waterfront,” Pierre told me. “I’m really excited about the opportunity that this brings for Buffalo’s youth. For anyone who wants to see a beautiful topsail schooner and floating classroom in Buffalo, this is your chance to show support.”
Justin Booth is pushing hard to promote the Rusty Chain Beer project (and overall bike culture), and has been working steadily towards that end. Other than beer taps and t-shirts, Go! Buffalo has been working on producing information table tents to bring added awareness to the mission of the bike-friendly beer.
Through the marketing efforts of Trina Tardone, bike and boat culture will be brought together under one roof for a series of Wednesday night get-togethers. McCarthy’s will be running a 50/50 raffle, selling The Chain, and offering a number of other promotions to bring needed recognition to the two initiatives. Also, partial bar proceeds will go toward both causes.
This Wednesday, January 21st, come learn about Pierre’s vision for his waterfront classroom, then join Justin on January 28th for the latest bike news.
Event: Boats and Bikes Wednesdays
What: Fundraiser
Host: McCarthy’s Pub and Restaurant
Boat dates are:
1/21-2/4 and 2/18
6:00pm
Bike dates are:
1/28- 2/11 and 2/25
6:00pm
Where: Gene McCarthy’s 73 Hamburg St., (716) 855-8948 | Off South Park in the Old First Ward