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Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. announces kick-off of Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival

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Thu, Jul 13th 2017 10:30 am
Buffalo's Outer Harbor welcomes the festival to its new home from July 13-16
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., Outer Harbor Management Group, the City of Buffalo, and the Italian Heritage Festival Association announce the kickoff of the Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival at 11a.m. today. The family-friendly festival, the longest running festival in Buffalo, celebrates 30 years of authentic food, lively music, and entertaining cultural traditions, and is being held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 13-16.
"It's exciting that the popular festival is on the Outer Harbor this year," ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. "The sights, sounds and delicious food will be enjoyed along with the beauty of the new waterfront location, as well as the many new activities available, such as kayaking and biking."
"Hosting this great event at the Outer Harbor is the perfect combination of long-standing traditions and new ones," Outer Harbor Management Group representative and President of Rich Baseball Operations Jon Dandes said. "The Italian Heritage Festival is our city's longest-running festival and has been a must-attend event in our region for 30 years. Bringing this great festival to the Outer Harbor allows us to grow the event's experience in new, exciting ways, as well as give our community even more opportunities to enjoy all that our beautiful waterfront has to offer."
"Galbani is very excited to sponsor the Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival for the 19th consecutive year, and we're looking forward to being at the new Outer Harbor location, which has allowed us to expand our Galbani areas to bring even more attractions to the event," said Jessica Ruth, Galbani event marketing manager for Lactalis American Group Inc. " Some of our Galbani Village highlights include a 'Say Cheese' photo booth, 3.5-foott sculpture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa made out of Galbani cheese, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Demo Stage with cooking demos by local chefs, a free sampling tent, cheese building contests, and so much more. This family-focused festival is filled with activities so there's something for everyone."
The Outer Harbor event will provide numerous activities, including:
  • Bocce ball tournament
  • "Italian Idol" and Miss Italian Festival competition
  • Cultural heritage activities
  • Local entertainment
  • Children's activities and crafts
  • Cheese-building contests
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Wine tastings
  • Grape-stomping contests
  • Italian car show
  • Sicilian puppet shows 
A $5 admission fee will be charged for adults, seniors age 62 and over pay $2, veterans and children 12 and under will be admitted for free. 
Event highlights include a live performance by Sal Valentinetti, a finalist on "America's Got Talent" (season 11) and the always-popular "Celebrity Galbani Cheese-Building Contest."
Visitors planning to attend the Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival can skip the parking and grab an Uber down to the festival. Use the promo code "OUTERHARBOR" for $20 off your first Uber ride. To enter, tap the menu in the top right corner of the app, go the "Payment" tab and then tap "Add Promo/Gift Code" to enter the promo code. The pickup/drop off location of will be at Wilkeson Pointe, which is a short walk to the Italian Festival (Offer expires Sept. 13.)
Another option to avoid parking on the Outer Harbor is to take the Metro Rail to Canalside then head over to the Outer Harbor on the Queen City Bike Ferry for just $1 each way.
For the 19th consecutive year, Galbani cheese, previously known as Sorrento Cheese, will serve as the title sponsor. During the festival, guests can visit the La Cucina Galbani cooking stage every day for recipe ideas and demonstrations from Chef Marco, as well as complementary samples of recipes created with Galbani products. 
"Our festival season is in full swing," Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said. "I am so happy that it's time to kick-off the Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival. As Buffalo's longest-running festival, this summer tradition brings tens of thousands to our city. As you know, this year's event will be held at the Outer Harbor due to its growing size according to festival organizers. Enjoy the food, live music and cultural traditions!
"Also this week, we continue to celebrate our Italian heritage in Buffalo, with the announcement of a $1 million Italian American Cultural Center in the former North Park Branch Library, which is expected to open next year."
Galbani is headquartered in Buffalo. For more information on the company, visit www.galbanicheese.com.

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