This coming weekend marks the 14th Annual Buffalo River Fest. What started off as a small, neighborhood tribute festival, has turned into a rallying cry for the old First Ward and the Buffalo River. By highlighting all of the natural and historic aspects of the river, the industrial bones along the banks, the new parks, the people and the ongoing advancements in the area, Buffalo River Fest continues to shine in admirable grassroots ways.
This festival is all about the old First Ward community, but it’s also about the people who visit from all over the region. Whether it’s kayaking the river, listening to live music, tossing back some beers and grilling, River Fest is a ton of fun for everyone who participates.
One of the highlights of the weekend is the Rigidized Metals River Regatta, which begins at 11:00am on Saturday morning. The regatta features handmade floating vessels, in a race along the Buffalo River between Harlem Road and Clinton Street (starting point) to the Ohio Street Canoe Launch on Ohio Street near South Street (ending point). The best vantage point to catch the regatta is at Buffalo River Fest Park. There is also a race for canoes and kayaks.
What: The 14th Annual Buffalo River Fest
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June 13th – 15th, 2014
Where: Buffalo River Fest Park 249 Ohio Street | Buffalo, NY 14203
Host: The Valley Community Association (VCA)
Events: From 6pm to Midnight on Friday, from 11am to Midnight on Saturday, and from 10am to 5:00pm on Sunday.
All three days of the event will feature live entertainment, a waterfront heritage display, “I Got It” bingo, food and refreshments, arts and crafts vendors, etc.
The kids play area will feature: Explore and More Children’s Museum’s “Imagination Playground”, Putt-Putt golf, Buffalo Zoo, and various other activities.
The official schedule of events is as follows (time, event, and location):
Friday, June 13th:
6pm—Historic Guided Walking Tours—Meet at Buffalo River Fest Park (please pre-register by calling 716-823-4707, ext. 2)
6pm—I Got It Bingo – Buffalo River Fest Park
6pm—Local Artists and Artisans – Buffalo River Fest Park 6pm—Waterfront Memories & More Museum Exhibit – Buffalo River Fest Park
8pm-12am—Music—Strictly Hip – Buffalo River Fest Park Bandshell
Saturday, June 14th:
9am – Softball Tournament – Father Conway Park
11am—Rigidized River Fest Regatta
12pm—Local Artists and Artisans – Buffalo River Fest Park
12pm—I Got It Bingo – Buffalo River Fest Park
12pm— Waterfront Memories & More Museum Exhibit – Buffalo River Fest Park
2pm—Kids Play Area – Buffalo River Fest Park
3pm—Music—The Strangers
8pm-12am—Music—Hit n Run – Buffalo River Fest Park Bandshell
TBD—Edward M. Cotter Fireboat Ride – Cotter Docks (Michigan Avenue)
Sunday, June 15th:
10am—Fishing Contest – Buffalo River Fest Park
12pm—Local Artists and Artisans – Buffalo River Fest Park
12pm—I Got It Bingo – Buffalo River Fest Park
12pm-3pm—Trivia – Buffalo River Fest Park
3pm-5pm —Music—TBA – Buffalo River Fest Park Bandshell
For more information on Buffalo River Fest, please visit www.thevalleycenter.com and “like” Buffalo River Fest Park and the Valley Community Center on Facebook.