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Boom Days celebrations this weekend

by Olivia
Thu, Apr 14th 2011 05:00 pm

Nearly 20 days later than last year, the weather is finally cooperating for removal of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom. On Tuesday, April 12, New York Power Authority crews began opening the boom's 22 spans. Each year, the boom is installed to reduce ice accumulation that interferes with hydroelectric power production at the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston and has the capability of causing possible flood damage to shore properties. Removal of the boom is a sure sign in the Buffalo area that spring is finally under way, and a celebration is in order.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper holds true to its mission of protecting and restoring the quality and quantity of the area's waterways, while connecting people to water. They join in celebrating the delayed arrival of spring in the Buffalo area by holding the ninth annual Boom Days celebration on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 with a competition between three local restaurants - Harry's Harbour Place Grille, Pearl Street Grille and Templeton Landing.

The three businesses will offer food and drink specials from 6 to 9 p.m. at their respective establishments, as they each launch a 5-foot high ball into the Niagara River over the railing of the fireboat E.M. Cotter. In order to win, the restaurant's ball must be the first to plunge over the Niagara Falls. Making this a win-win situation, patrons visiting the winner's restaurant will receive additional specials.

To continue the celebration, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper invites residents to join them in enjoying live music, food and Flying Bison's Ice Boom Bock at McCarthy's Restaurant located at 73 Hamburg St., Buffalo, from 8 to 11 p.m. A cover charge of $10 will benefit Riverkeeper and fill you up with delicious food and one free drink of your choice.

More than 1,500 volunteers, including the Buffalo Sabres Green Team, will be joining hands in an effort to clean up 77,000 linear feet of shoreline throughout the region on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. All volunteers will receive a free stainless steel water bottle and are encouraged to enjoy the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic after the event. Call 852-RIVER, ext. 19, or visit www.bnriverkeeper.org to register for this event.

More music, food and celebration will take place at the LaSalle Yacht Club in Niagara Falls on Sunday, April 16, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Various community organizations will be featured at the event, such as music by Ladies First Jazz Combo lead by Jennifer May, re-enactors from Old Fort Niagara and Boy Scout Troop 841. Additionally, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster and State Sen. Mark Grisanti will declare April 16 Boom Days as part of the city and state proclamations. Food and a cash bar will be available at the event.

With so many options for great food and entertainment, which way will you choose to celebrate Boom Days and wave good-bye to winter?

For more on Boom Days, visit www.bnriverkeeper.org.

 

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