Last night, a herd of Buffalonians gathered in Washington, DC to celebrate Buffalo Nite, an annual social, networking and promotions event hosted by New York State Society of Washington DC. A number of Buffalo politicians, corporate executives, community leaders and Buffalo patriots (and expatriates) rallied around “all things Buffalo” in order to showcase aspects of the city that are considered both newfangled and old school.
“Buffy”, the fiberglass Citybration buffalo with big red hearts on her sides, was on-hand to add some kitschy glam to the occasion. “She was invited by the New York State Society of Washington DC to be a special celebrity guest at Buffalo Nite, the massive annual expatriate shindig in the Dirksen Senate Building,” said Buffalo By Choice/Citybration executive director Marti Gorman, “so we gladly hitched her up and headed to the nation’s capital.”
Along with attending a lighthearted and entertaining party, another more serious message was cast out to partygoers. “There is so much to love here (in Buffalo) and so much going on that we just couldn’t resist taking this show on the road,” said Gorman. “Buffy was the belle of the ball, helping spread the word: ‘Take another look. Buffalo is booming! It’s time to think about coming home.’”
Joining Buffy, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York arranged to have Chef Mike Andrzejewski (Mike A) attend Buffalo Nite. As a twist, instead of serving up typical wings and weck, a decision was made to offer up one of his healthier, yet still infamous, small bites – his signature “beef on weck” sushi roll (only 48 calories). “Having been someone who left Buffalo and returned to experience the renaissance happening here, it is great that our company, the leading health plan in the region, can connect with former Buffalonians in a healthy way,” said Kyle Rogers, public relations specialist, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “Buffalo Nite is packed with advocates of Buffalo (800 total). Who knows, we may inspire them to come back and live here!”
Along with the sushi rolls, Buffalo Bills Mardi Gras beads were handed out to those who were clamoring to get some swag that they could don at Bills friendly DC establishments. According to those who were in attendance, there were plenty of “Bills Make Wanna Shout” chants, Genny Cream Ale drinking and even some Buffalo Wing eating. “There are thousands of Buffalonians living in DC,” added Rogers. “And organizations like ours head down to promote and celebrate Buffalo. We want everyone to be aware and hopefully be interested in coming back to Buffalo and experiencing the ongoing renaissance.”
Photo of “Buffalo supplies” arriving at the event: Buffalo Nite on Facebook | Politicians in attendance included Senator Chuck Schumer, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Chris Collins and Congressman Brian Higgins.