Artpark acknowledges Town of Lewiston, LPD

Artpark & Company President George Osborne presented Lewiston Police Department Chief Chris Salada and Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Reiter with a check Wednesday for the LPD, recognizing outstanding work during the 2012 season - particularly the popular "First Niagara presents Tuesday in the Park" outdoor concerts. Over the course of the 12-week series, 100,000 people enjoyed music from top-name acts, including Foreigner, Heart, Steve Miller Band, Sheryl Crow and more at the newly renovated Artpark Amphitheater.

Each week, the Lewiston Police Department and Town of Lewiston Parks Department set up barricades on the Robert Moses Parkway and Center Street, allowing for the slip ramp to be used for quick exit after the concerts.

"(It was) another great, successful season with little or no major incidents," Reiter said. "Our police department did exactly what we expected. What other community has this kind of venue and can support it and have it go so well and improve the quality of life within our town?"

Artpark also expressed gratitude to the Lewiston Police Department for managing traffic after the concerts, as well as maintaining a safe environment for the people in the Village of Lewiston during all of Artpark's summer events.

Artpark averaged almost 8,500 patrons per week at the "Tuesday in the Park" concert series.

Salada recently told the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees that his department had an eventful summer with Lewiston's myriad festivals, Artpark programs, Lewiston Council on the Arts concerts, and day-to-day activities.

"I'd like to recognize the hard work all our Lewiston officers did this summer keeping the village residents safe during our very busy season," he said.

"I think our officers do a great job, and they deserve the thanks they seldom hear."

(Information in this report came from Artpark & Company Director of Communications Maria Costello Hays and Sentinel reporter Joshua Maloni)