Click here to see the full summer schedule of events

 

(BUFFALO, NY) – Today U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, Mayor Byron Brown and County Executive Chris Collins, in conjunction with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Buffalo Place Inc., officially unveiled plans for daily summer programming at the harbor site. The extensive schedule will consist of various children’s activities, cultural re-enactments, historical lectures, educational seminars, guided canal district tours, live music, an indie market, kayak and bicycles rentals, adaptive water sports, sailing classes, as well as concerts and other special events. In addition, the Erie Canal Harbor site will once again host a major Independence Day celebration and fireworks display, featuring local live musical talent and a patriotic atmosphere.

“Through a combination of progress and programming we are creating new excitement along the water’s edge,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “I commend Buffalo Place and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their work providing events that appeal to people of all interests and ages. We invite the public to come down and experience all that Buffalo’s waterfront has to offer today and witness the work
underway to make this area even better moving forward.”

“Thanks to city, county and state revitalization efforts, the Buffalo Waterfront is quickly becoming a great recreational destination for city residents and visitors,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “The summer programs planned for Erie Canal Harbor will only add to the increasing appeal of this area and will provide people of all ages with fun, educational and recreational programs on a daily basis.”

“As work continues on the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor, it’s important to give people a reason to come to Canal Side to experience the excitement that is already happening on Buffalo’s waterfront,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. “This new schedule of daily recreation, educational and entertainment opportunities will help bring people of all ages to the waterfront and make this summer season exceptional.”

“We look forward to another exciting and action-packed summer of programming, concerts and special events at the harbor,” said ECHDC Chairman Jordan Levy. “While much of the harbor corporation’s focus is on bringing the Canal Side project to fruition, we fully recognize the importance of keeping people energized about the waterfront revitalization effort, and believe that our vast harbor activities schedule and free public offerings will do just that.”

“Buffalo Place is thrilled and excited to be working in cooperation with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and the City of Buffalo to provide a summer full of fun activities, programs and special events at the Erie Canal Harbor,” said Buffalo Place Inc., Chairman Keith Belanger. “As Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor celebrates its eleventh season we look forward to expanding the festival this year to include four, twoday weekend celebrations and we thank ECHDC for their site sponsorship and commitment.”

“People are energized by the waterfront and this programming schedule gives visitors even more reason to get excited about the redevelopment effort,” said ECHDC President Thomas Dee. “We’re thankful to have established some really strong partnerships with various local arts, cultural and educational organizations,
which will help us deliver some top-notch events and activities at the harbor.”

A comprehensive listing of Erie Canal Harbor summer programming events and activities is now available at www.eriecanalharbor.com.

Through a contract with Buffalo Place Inc., Brand-On Services, Inc. will resume management of the harbor’s transient boating facilities and will also
monitor waterside activities. Boaters interested in making docking arrangements at Erie Canal Harbor this summer should call the Erie Basin Marina ship store at (716) 851-6503.

For information on The Spirit of Buffalo, a privately-owned 73-foot working-replica Great Lakes Schooner, and the Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education Foundation (BUOE), a recently created non-profit organization focused on environmental awareness and youth learning opportunities, interested parties should visit www.spiritofbuffalo.com or www.buoe.org. Information on BFLO Harbor Kayak and other boat and bicycle
rental opportunities is available at www.bfloharborkayak.com.

Erie Canal Harbor is located in the City of Buffalo’s downtown corridor, at the intersection of Pearl Street and Marine Drive. The harbor can be accessed through temporary entrances at the foot of Main Street and on Scott Street, or by way of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, located on the northwestern edge of
the harbor site.