There’s really no better way to celebrate the waterfront than attending the annual Valley Buffalo River Festival. In a lot of ways, the rediscovering of our waterfront began at Buffalo River Fest Park, located at 249 Ohio Street. It was essentially a grassroots effort that led to the park becoming a beacon for the true potential of the Buffalo River. And now, in 2024, this park, and this festival in particular, continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of the organizers, and the attendees that travel to this very special place, to celebrate the unique history, and the rediscovery of a waterfront legacy that is still in the making.
On Sunday, June 16rd the Valley Buffalo River Festival will be held at Buffalo River Fest Park. Admission is free and food and refreshments will be available with all proceeds supporting Buffalo River Fest Park maintenance. No coolers will be allowed and spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
Visitors to the festival can look forward to:
The Waterfront Memories & More Museum Heritage Tent from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; An Intomes Technical Services LLC kids fishing contest from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a kids’ area with games from 12-6 p.m.; and two E. M. Cotter Fireboat rides at 11 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.
From 12-3 p.m. “Joe & the Shmoes” a rock band that has been rocking the Western New York music scene since 1999. The band consists of Joe “C Dawg” Czajka – vocals and guitar, Bill “Black Tie” Texido – guitar/vocals, Carl “The Truth” Markiewicz – drums & vocals and Fritz “The Cat” Van Leaven – bass & vocals.
From 3-6 p.m. the festival will feature the local band The Bleeding Hearts. Since 1989, The Bleeding Hearts has been thrilling audiences around Western New York, playing a unique blend of classic rock from the ’60s & ‘70s, retro hits of the ‘80s, alternative hits from the ’90s, and the current hits of today. The band is quite a talented bunch with all three members switching instruments throughout the night. Band members are David Lloyd (drummer & lead vocals), Bob Kupczyk (bass, vocals, & keyboard), and Tim Unger (lead guitar & vocals).
For more information on Buffalo River Festival or to reserve a spot on the E. M. Cotter Fireboat rides, contact Peg Overdorf at 716-553-8350.
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