Here’s one of the first events to be held at the brand new Mutual Riverfront Park (learn more). It’s a tribute to Buffalo’s grain scoopers that once lived and worked in the old First Ward – a befitting tribute, being held at an inspirational park setting along the Buffalo River. The event is being organized by the Valley Community Center and will pay homage to our industrial and cultural heritage. “The history of Buffalo’s First Ward and Valley neighborhoods is directly tied to the thousands of mostly-Irish scoopers who toiled as laborers at the mills and docks along the Buffalo River,” said VCA Executive Director Peg Overdorf. “This fun event will be a way to recall the rich chronicles of our region, while at the same time enjoying a visit to the great new waterfront destination that is Mutual Riverfront Park.”
“Feeding the World” – Tribute to Buffalo’s Grain Scoopers
May 25th, 2013 at Mutual Riverfront Park
Saturday, May 25th, 2013 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mutual Riverfront Park is located at 41 Hamburg Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
This is a free event for the whole family
Event details include the following:
An introductory guided walking/shuttle tour of the grain district will be offered at 12:00pm by First Ward historian Gene Overdorf (cost $10 per person). The tour will begin and end at Mutual Riverfront Park. Pre-registration is preferred as space is limited. Register by calling Peg Overdorf at 823-4707, ext. 2.
-Live music performed by local favorites Brian Overdorf and Friends.
-A scooper’s presentation by a member of the Local 109 Grain Shoveler’s Union.
-Local photographer Gene Witkowski’s historic exhibit of the last unload of the Kinsman Independent.
-Scooper history displays at the adjacent Waterfront Memories & More Museum.