Buffalo Waterfront and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Announce Independence Weekend Festivities
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Waterfront will host two major events for the country’s 250th anniversary the weekend of July 3-5.
Buffalo Waterfront, along with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, announced today that Independence Day weekend will see both the return of The World’s Largest Rubber Duck — the six-story-tall waterfowl that last visited Buffalo in 2016 — and a summer night at the Outer Harbor’s Terminal B with JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating the spirit of America through music.
M&T Bank presents Sound & Sky on the Waterfront – July 3
From sweeping orchestral favorites to iconic themes, Western New Yorkers can gather for a powerful celebration of America250 on Friday, July 3, culminating in a glittering fireworks display over Lake Erie.
“There is something uniquely powerful about gathering by the water, with music as the backdrop and the city all around us,” said Falletta, the BPO’s acclaimed music director. “This concert is about coming together with friends, families and neighbors to share a summer night filled with energy, beauty, and connection. It is a celebration of Buffalo as much as it is a celebration of music.”
The concert will begin at 7 p.m., with fireworks immediately following at approximately 9:15 p.m. Tickets for this free performance are limited and available online, on a first-come, first-served basis. Foldable chairs will be permitted for this show but are subject to security inspection.
“A summer evening with a free performance featuring the incredible talent of the BPO is a can’t-miss experience,” said Michele Cicatello, marketing manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “Terminal B is the perfect place to take it all in and celebrate our country’s milestone anniversary.”
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck at Canalside, presented by BuffaLove Apparel
The lawn at Canalside will also be bustling Independence Day weekend, with “Mama Duck” and her 10-foot-tall Baby Duck, Timmy, landing at the downtown waterfront on July 3, in an encore to her memorable visit a decade ago.
“Born at Canalside, BuffaLove Apparel is especially excited to be part of welcoming the World’s Largest Rubber Duck this summer and to continually join in creating moments that celebrate Buffalo, its people, and the heart of the city,” said Patty Watson, owner of BuffaLove Apparel.
From July 3 to July 5, both ducks will be available for photo ops and general viewing. There will also be plenty of duck-related special programming and a festival atmosphere, including 25 golden ducks placed around the site that can be redeemed for a gift, plus food and beer trucks and family-friendly activities. A full schedule will be released in June and will include:
· Free Play Friday by Explore & More Children’s Museum, featuring duck-related kids programming
· Duck sidewalk art
· Face painting
· Duck-themed family movies on the giant videoboard
· Rubber Duck giveaway, courtesy of BuffaLove Apparel
· Live patriotic music
· Duck merchandise and vendors
“The World’s Largest Rubber Duck made plenty of fans on her last visit in 2016, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back, this time on land,” Cicatello said. “It’s an extra fun reason to visit Canalside on one of the most festive weekends of the year.”
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Buffalo Waterfront
Buffalo’s Waterfront is a growing regional destination and entertainment district encompassing Canalside and Outer Harbor. The Buffalo Waterfront hosts large events and daily activities of all types and strives to provide public access to the land and waterways on the Lake Erie shoreline. Operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group – a subsidiary of Rich Products, the Buffalo Waterfront is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.