Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 9th 2005, 7:14pm By queenseyes

The New York State Society presents the 27th Annual New York State Society's Buffalo Night in Washington, DC.

Inauguration: In 1978, the Buffalo event started with modest beginnings in the Capitol, Room EF 100. Staffers from the offices of Representatives Kemp, LaFalce, and Nowak organized the event, and large, enthusiastic crowds spilled into the Capitol hallways at the inaugural event called "The Buffalo Party." The tradition exhibiting Buffalo pride through signature food and drinks in an event format was established. "The Buffalo Party" continued under the management of Western New York Congressional staffers through l985.

Evolution: Buffalo Chamber of Commerce ran the renamed "Buffalo Night in Washington, DC." from l986 to l992. The event was held at times in Washington hotels and other venues in the Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn Buildings of the House of Representatives. Additional Buffalo flavor and hometown management was added. An attendance record of 1,200 set in 1986.

Revolution: New York State Society assumed stewardship in l993. A larger committee implemented a multitude of new ideas. The event was retitled "Buffalo Nite." The "Charging Buffalo" Award was presented to recognize outstanding Buffalonians and there was more corporate sponsorship, more food, live music, charitable contributions, and a unique logo created. Buffalo Nite receives annual support from New York Senators and Members of Congress. Attendance at Buffalo Nite and membership in New York State Society continued to increase annually.

Tradition: A showcase of Buffalo (New York Stateis second largest city, and gateway to Niagara), Buffalo Nite is an annual celebration of Buffalo pride and traditions right in the heart of our nationis capital. The "City of Good Neighbors" legacy attracts hundreds of local Buffalo people and fellow New Yorkers. Friends, food, fun, reminiscence, comradeship, and conversation are sparked by thoughts of Millionaires Row, Kleinhans, Hertel, Elmwood and Chippewa haunts, the HSBC arena, the new airport terminal, the Aud, Sheais Performing Arts Center, Lake Erie and the waterfront, Albright-Knox, Delaware Park, the Bills, Sabres, and Bisons, the Universities, Our Lady of Victory National Shrine, the Allentown Festival and the Broadway Market. Buffalo, each year is number one for a special night (September 28th) in the shadow of the Nationis Capitol Dome.

Photo: Hillary hangin' with Charlie the Butcher in our nation's capital... at the Capitol. A little lesson...

capital, capitol - Often confused or misspelled. Capital is a city, the seat of government. Do not capitalize: Salem is the capital of Oregon. Capital city is redundant. Capital also refers to money. Capitol is the building in which the U.S. Congress or the state Legislature meets. Capitalize U.S. Capitol and the Capitol when writing about the building in Washington, D.C., and do the same when writing about state capitols: The California Capitol is in Sacramento. Capitol building is redundant.