Festival tying in with Niagara Falls' 125th anniversary
By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
The Niagara University Family Business Center will be hosting a Chocolate, Arts & Music Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, by Niagara's Honeymoon Sweets, 5540 Porter Road, Niagara Falls.
The family fun event will show off numerous artists and vendors, as well as a celebration of Niagara Falls' 125th anniversary.
Family Business Center Director Vincent Agnello said, "We wanted to tie the arts and chocolate fest in with the 125th anniversary of Niagara Falls and we want to honor groups that really haven't been recognized for their actions towards Niagara Falls."
At 11:30 a.m. the 914th Honor Guard will be with the Niagara Falls High School marching band for the national anthem. From noon-4 p.m. the Fred Town Stompers Band will play swing music to get attendees on their feet and dancing. At 4 p.m., presentations of certifications of appreciation will be handed out to, John Caso, director of Public Works; Mark Laurrie, superintendent of NF City Schools; Thomas Colangelo, NFFD Fire Chief; Bryan DalPorto, NFPD Police Chief; Theresa White, Lions Club president; Phillip Weld, Master of Masons; Ron Anderluh, Rotary Club president; Chuck Learn, Sertoma Club president; and Diana Hoffman Pivetz, Kiwanis Club president. The groups honored will receive a donation from the event.
There will also be raffles at the event, as businesses donated several prizes and gift cards. Sponsors for the event include gold sponsors from Niagara University, Certo Brothers Distributing Co., Mackenzie's Automotive, The Shop Hair Studio, Dove Photography, Agnello Gallery, Longhorn Restaurant, Preferred Materials LLC Concrete/Building and Firth Jewelers. The platinum sponsors for the event are the Seneca Nation of Indians, Niagara's Honeymoon Sweets, HW Bryk & Sons and Lions Club.
Agnello said this is a one of a kind event for the city.
"I can't recall an event like this one. There's been events that have honored individual groups, but not multiple groups like this one," he said.
Agnello said he sees the event as a family-fun atmosphere and a way for people to have an enjoyable afternoon.
There is a $10 parking fee, which includes a hot dog, chips and a drink. Lions Club will be selling additional hot dogs, chips and drinks. Lawn chairs and dancing shoes are recommended for those attending.
Limited vendor space is available. For more information, call 716-553-7338.
