Fireworks display will be provided by Russell J. Salvatore
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and Canalside/Outer Harbor Management Group (CMG) announced the exciting schedule for the Fourth of July, featuring a wide variety of activities at Canalside and the Outer Harbor.
The free Independence Day events will culminate with Canalside's official City of Buffalo fireworks display, presented by Russell J. Salvatore for the fourth year. The fireworks, by Skylighter Fireworks, can be viewed at Canalside or the Outer Harbor and will be synced to music provided by Russell J. Salvatore and aired live on "97 Rock" 96.9-FM.
"Outer Harbor and Canalside have teamed up yet again to make Buffalo's official July 4 celebration filled with family, fun and festivities," ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. "We thank Russell J. Salvatore for his generous fireworks donation and look forward to another activity packed summer at the Outer Harbor."
I am so proud to sponsor Buffalo's official July 4th celebration, as I've done in years past," Salvatore said. "It's great to see everyone happy and enjoying the festivities. Thank you to '97 Rock' for helping out this year. Turn to '97 Rock' to listen to the simulcast during the fireworks show! Thank you and God bless America."
"We are proud to provide the official City of Buffalo July 4 celebration to the people of Western New York with two safe, affordable, family-friendly events at Canalside and the Outer Harbor," said Jon Dandes, president of Be Our Guest, Ltd/CMG.
A carnival presented by Hammerl Amusements will be at Wilkeson Pointe at the Outer Harbor from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 3, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. The carnival will include family-friendly games and rides. Visitors can choose to purchase single ride tickets for $1 each or family packs for $25 for 30 tickets.
There will be free parking on July 3 and free parking on July 4 until 5 p.m. Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be a $5 charge for parking. There is free admission to the carnival both days with security screenings at the entrance.
Other fun activities at the carnival include street performances, jugglers, face painters and balloon artists. Wilkeson Pointe is a smoke-free venue and families will be able to enjoy food and drink at the Consumer's Beverages beer garden at the Pointe.
There will be children's activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Canalside with plenty of food trucks on site. No outside food, beverage or pets will be allowed. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of live music on the main stage at Canalside starting at 5 p.m. West of the Mark and The George Scott Band will entertain guests as they wait for the fireworks display at approximately 10 p.m.
Visitors attending the Fourth of July festivities will be subjected to security inspection upon entry beginning at 4 p.m. The entrance will be located on Marine Drive and re-entry is allowed. The following information is designed to assist in expediting the entry process.
Items that must be placed on the security inspection tables: All metal, bags (bag policy - only diaper bags and small purses (5-inch-by-7-inch clutch bags) are permitted), cell phones, keys, electronic devices, and chairs
Prohibited items at Canalside: Weapons of any kind, backpacks/drawstring bags/large tote bags, illegal drugs/drug paraphernalia, fireworks, glass containers, outside food or beverage (including coolers), all professional video and photo camera, recording devises, selfie sticks, tripods or monopods, laser pointers, air horns, animals (unless a service animal), bicycles (within the secure perimeter), any item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by security.
Recommended parking for Canalside is on Perry Street by the KeyBank Center and additional lots and ramps on the east side of Main Street. As the event concludes, the NFTA-Metro will have three buses parked along Washington Street as well as three trains ready at the Erie Canal Harbor Station to expedite moving guests out of the area.
Outer Harbor Drive will be closed and traffic will be rerouted to the Tift Street exit on July 4. The time will be determined by the Buffalo Police Department.
For anyone planning to use the Queen City Bike Ferry to get back and forth between the Outer Harbor and Canalside, it will be running until 11:30 p.m.
