NFP exclusive

Artpark, BPO, Fashion Outlets, John’s team up
to offer ‘Summerfest Shuttle’

Story and photo by Joshua Maloni
Niagara Frontier Publications, June 28, 2007

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Resident Conductor Robert Franz boards the “Summerfest
Shuttle,” a bus offering trips from the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls to Artpark.

Entertainment, shopping, dining and the outdoors – all that’s good about Western New York in the summer – have come together through an initiative dubbed the “Summerfest Shuttle.” Artpark, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls and John’s Flaming Hearth have joined forces to offer an all-inclusive afternoon or night on the town.

Held in conjunction with the BPO’s “Summerfest” mainstage concert series at Artpark, a program that runs throughout July, and with “Aida,” the Elton John-Tim Rice Broadway musical that runs Aug. 9-19, an Over the Falls Tours bus will transport participants from the Fashion Outlets to Artpark and then back to the mall.

The shuttle will depart from the shopping center’s Military Road entrance – near John’s – at 7:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, arriving at Artpark prior to each night’s 8 p.m. performance. On Sundays, the 32-seat, air-conditioned bus will leave at 2:15 p.m., prior to the 3 p.m. BPO matinee, and at 1:15 p.m. ahead of the 2 p.m. “Aida” shows on Aug. 12 and 19. Return service will follow each presentation.

A concierge will greet participants as they board the “Summerfest Shuttle.” Each passenger will receive a savings book with $800 worth of Fashion Outlets coupons.

Additionally, John’s is offering a “Summerfest Dinner,” which features a specially priced three-course meal.

“It’s a wonderful package of opportunities for concertgoers,” Dianne Giliforte, Fashion Outlets tourism director, said at a press conference on Thursday.

The chance to shop, enjoy a meal, and listen to highly trained musicians performing classic works is “something that’s great for families,” Artpark Marketing Director Maureen Kellick said.

She noted that the four groups working together represent “a great collaboration.”

John Percy, Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation president, echoed that statement.

“That’s how we enhance cultural tourism; that’s how we enhance tourism overall,” he said.

The complete package – a show ticket, dinner and transportation – costs $59 per person. Individually, the dinner special at John’s is $18 per person, and bus transportation costs $7. Tickets to the BPO and “Aida” vary in price.

Those interested in making a reservation should call 1-800-318-9430 during normal business hours. They can also stop by the Fashion Outlets Customer Service Center.

For more information, visit www.artpark.net or www.bpo.org.