It wasn’t that long ago when there were very few Fourth of July venue options in the city. These days, it seems that just about everyone heads to the waterfront. With the advent of Canalside, there’s a concentration of patriotic activity that this city has not seen in a long time. As for 2014, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is once again putting on a show that will appeal to people of all ages – with music talent, children’s activities, food and a spectacular fireworks display to boot.
“Don your red, white and blue and join us for our annual Independence Day Celebration on the waterfront,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia. “This family-friendly event with something for everyone is a great opportunity to experience and see all the positive changes on our waterfront while celebrating our nation’s independence.”
To add to the event’s excitement, the featured music act will be Lance Diamond (on stage at 7pm), whose birthday also happens to be on July 4th. The rest of the music talent includes the George Scott Big Band from 2 to 3 p.m., the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Big City Horns from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
“I am so proud to once again be involved with city’s fireworks display on the fourth of July,” said Russell J. Salvatore, who is sponsoring the fireworks display that will be timed to a patriotic musical soundtrack. “There is so much action already happening at Canalside I am happy to be a part of it. I cannot wait to push the button and light up the skies for us all to enjoy. I have arranged for some great patriotic music to accompany the fireworks show, so don’t forget to tune your radios to 104.1 to enjoy the fireworks even more. See you at Canalside, and you should plan on making a day of it… I am.”
2-3 pm: George Scott Big Band
3:30pm-4:30pm: Buffalo Niagara Concert Band
5pm-6:30pm: Big City Horns
7pm-9pm: Lance Diamond
9:15pm: Color guard with Junior ROTC
9:30pm: Flag Folding Ceremony on stage with Taps
10:15pm: Fireworks presented by Russell J. Salvatore
The event’s rain date is Saturday, July 5. No outside food or beverage will be allowed. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome. Explore & More Children’s Museum will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by additional kids’ activities until 7 p.m., including arts and crafts, face painting, a puppet show and more. A color guard with Junior ROTC will take place at 9:15 p.m., followed by a flag folding ceremony on stage with Taps at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks start at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Photo: Canalside