Canalside hosts opportunity to join in an aerial photo

Canalside is giving Western New Yorkers the opportunity to show their "Buffalove," as they join together for a unique aerial photo Friday, June 13, beginning at noon sharp.

This "Buffalo Lunch Bunch" was organized by local photographer Patty Watson, who is calling fellow neighbors and businesses to assemble in the shape of a buffalo. The cost to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event is $20 and includes a T-shirt, Chiavetta's chicken barbecue lunch, live music by the local classic rock band Heard of Buffalo, and candid photo opportunities.

Proceeds benefit Stand4Heroes (The Bob Woodruff Foundation) and WNY Heroes (www.wnyheroes.org).

"We need at least 500 participants to create the form of a buffalo, but we will be able to accommodate thousands in our human formation celebrating the pride we have for our city," said Watson, founder of Patty's People Pictures. "We have a fun afternoon planned that you will not want to miss."

In addition to the aforementioned activities, participants will also be able to view a demonstration by the Buffalo Fire Department's Edward M. Cotter fireboat in the harbor at 11 a.m.

The event will be hosted by 97 Rock's Jickster and will also be videotaped by WGRZ-TV to include in a future "This Is Home" television promo.

Watson states the entire photo shoot and lunch will take only one hour so that those who are on a tight schedule will have ample time to return to work. She encourages those who have more time to arrive early and stay later to enjoy the additional activities. Reprints of the aerial buffalo photo will be available at a later date. 

Itinerary

• 11 a.m.-noon. Registration and demonstration by the Edward M. Cotter Fireboat
• Noon Arrival time for pre-registered participants
• 12:05 p.m. Brief opening remarks
• 12:15 p.m. Load buffalo formation
• 12:20 p.m. Aerial photo
• 12:25 p.m. Ceremony
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch
• 12:30-2 p.m. Live music by Heard of Buffalo; candid group photo opportunities

The event is sponsored by WGRZ-TV, 97 Rock and AdPro Sports. For more information or to register, visit www.buffalolunchbunch.eventbrite.com.