HarborCenter @ Canalside is on a roll. From the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 Women’s World Championship at HarborCenter, which begins today, to the recently announced and much anticipated 2015 HarborCenter Winterfest at Canalside, Buffalo’s “wintertime waterfront” is hotter than ever.
The three-day festival is slated to take place from January 9 to January 11, and will coincide with the medal round of the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
“Winterfest is another opportunity for us to partner with ECHDC to further encourage our community to experience all that Canalside already has to offer,” said HarborCenter president, John Koelmel. “Coupled with the Women’s World Championship being contested at HARBORCENTER, the weekend’s activities will be a terrific complement to our Rinks, (716) Food and Sport and Tim Hortons, as well as The Ice at Canalside and the many other venues in and around our waterfront. It will make for a fun and enjoyable weekend for families and visitors of all ages.”
The celebration kicks off on Friday, January 9 (5:30pm) with live music, food and drinks in front of 716 Food and Sport. Saturday, starting at 10am, there will be horse and carriage rides, DJs in a heated tent (at The Ice @ Canalside), children’s activities (Tifft, and Explore and More), and various other festival surprises.
On Sunday, hockey fans will rally around the semi-final round of the Women’s U18 World Championship. At 12pm, Sabres-related activities continue at Canalside, with social media contests, meet and greets, etc. The festival will also showcase ice sculptures (see below), two Canisius College hockey games against conference rival Holy Cross, along with a number of Junior Sabres games over the course of the weekend.
“Coming on the heels of our spectacular grand opening of The Ice at Canalside and the tremendous crowds that have been enjoying our fabulous outdoor rink during the holiday break, we’re pleased to again join with HARBORCENTER to further that momentum by co-hosting Winterfest at Canalside,” added ECHDC president, Tom Dee. “We’re proud to continue to work with our district partners to promote this transformative, year-round activity space and bring excitement to Buffalo’s waterfront for all to enjoy.”
To view the entire winter festival schedule, click here. To learn more about the Women’s World Ice Hockey Championships, click here.
Photos: Canalside