On Saturday, September 17, a Mafia Boat Parade is scheduled to take place. The boat regatta, in support of the Buffalo Bills, is the first of its kind to take place in Buffalo. The idea to host the parade along the Buffalo River was formulated by Ashleigh Dopp who is a member of the Water Buffalo Club 716.
The Mafia Boat Parade will feature a lively cast of characters out on the water, in Bills bedazzled boats. But there will be others on land, cheering them on as they pass by. One of the main viewing areas will be at Papi Grande’s Beach Bar at 301 Ohio Street.
The lead boat – Buffalo Cycle Boats – will follow a parade route that will take revelers down the Buffalo River, starting at Canalside – meet up at 1:00 p.m. A fog horn will signal the start of the parade, as boats head south down the Buffalo River. The boat brigade will last about an hour and a half, before winding up at Papi Grande’s for a post-parade party.
A number of boats have already signed up for the parade. Additional boaters are invited to join in on the fun.
“The idea stemmed from my buddy’s in Tampa (Breaking Tables podcast),” said Dopp. “Last year they organized a parade that was around 25-30 boats. The organizers are flying into Buffalo to help out with this parade, which is sponsored by Bud Light. We’re hosting our parade at the beginning of the football season because of the nice weather, of course.
“We are planning on having a respectful parade, with organized chaos. When I attended the Tampa Bay parade, it was so great and got everyone amped up and energized. We are hoping to emulate that same feeling. The Bills community is so great! The parade will support the Bills and Children’s Hospital. We’re bringing fans together to celebrate this city, the Bills, the waterfront, and our tight-knit community. Horns up!”
There will also be a Mafia Charity Event at Papi Grande’s on that day, from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., to benefit Oishei Children’s Hospital. The event will feature live music, $5 beers, a silent auction, vendors, etc.
For additional information, visit the Mafia Boat Parade Facebook page. This event is weather permitting. Bills fans can also get excited about the season ahead by viewing The Story Behind the NFL’s Wildest Fans.
And be sure to get your Water Buffalo hats at waterbuffaloclub716.com.