Western New York 2017 Independence Weekend fireworks guide

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dori

**fireworks should begin at dusk unless otherwise noted**

Saturday, July 1 –

• Cherry Creek – Ballpark on Main St./Rt. 83
• Collins – Town Park – approximately 9:45 p.m.
• Ellicottville –Holiday Valley Resort (after BPO concert)
• Franklinville – Woods at Bear Creek, 3510 Bear Creek Rd.
• Grand Island – Martin's Fantasy Island (July 1-4)

Sunday, July 2 –

• Town of Niagara – Veteran’s Memorial Community Park, 7000 Lockport Rd.
• Niagara Falls – Seneca Niagara Casino – 9:30 p.m. (rain date July 3)

Monday, July 3 –

• Akron – Veteran’s Park – Buell St.
• Buffalo – Coca Cola Field – after Bisons game and BPO concert
• Clarence – Town Park
• East Aurora – Hamlin Park, 166 S. Grove St.
• Hamburg – Woodlawn Beach State Park
• Newfane – West Pier
• Town of Tonawanda – Kenney Field (rain date July 7)

Tuesday, July 4 –

• Amherst – UB North Campus
• Batavia – Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St. – after baseball game
• Buffalo – Canalside
• Dunkirk – Dunkirk Pier (rain date July 5)
• Lancaster – Save-A-Lot parking lot, 10 Aurora St. 
• Lewiston – Academy Park, 890 Center St.
• Little Valley – Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, 501 Erie St.
• Lockport - Outwater Park
• Lyndonville – Lyndonville Central Schools Softball Fields (rain date July 5)
• Niagara Falls – Hyde Park
• Olean – Bradner Stadium
• Orchard Park – Middle School, 60 S. Lincoln St.
• Pendleton – Town Park (rain date July 5)
• Tonawanda – Niawanda Park (also watch at Gratwick Waterfront Park)
• Wheatfield – Oppenheim Park

Friday, July 7 –

• Salamanca – Seneca Allegany Casino (rain date July 9)

Saturday, July 8 –

• Lockport – West Main St. (part of Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration)
• Varysburg – Buffalo Hill Village, Rt. 20A – 10:15 p.m. (part of Jam in the Valley)

Find an updated list at www.wgrz.com.

*****All dates and times subject to change and the weather*****

Area restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in 2016

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Getting the family together for a sit-down meal, even at the holidays, can be difficult, and preparing the meal itself can be time consuming. Having your Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant is becoming more and more popular in many places, including here in Buffalo. These are a few of the Buffalo area restaurants that are serving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016.

• 31 Club, located at 31 North Johnson Park in Buffalo, is accepting reservations for its Thanksgiving Day three-course sit-down dinner from 1-7 p.m., including choice of soup or salad, main course and dessert. Call 716-332-3131 for reservations.
• La Galleria, Southwestern Blvd. near Abbott Rd. in Orchard Park, will feature a Thanksgiving buffet from 1-6 p.m. with turkey, ham, Chicken Supreme, Italian sausage, stuffing, squash, potatoes, desserts and more. The cost is $27.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 5-11 and children under 5 are free. Call 716-648-4880 for more information.
• Gate House Grill, located at 8220 Main St. in Williamsville, will offer Thanksgiving dinner from 2-7 p.m. –cost is $18.95 per person. Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn and cranberry sauce, plus dessert; a scaled down version of their regular menu will also be available. Call 716-585-0338 for reservations.
• Acqua, located at 2192 Niagara St. in Buffalo, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from noon-6 p.m. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Call 716-874-5400 for reservations.
• Bella Vista Ristorante, located in the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls, 7001 Buffalo Ave. in Niagara Falls, will offer a Thanksgiving buffet from 2-8 p.m. Cost is $22.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids 4-11 and free for kids under 4 – call 716-299-0344 x 2335 for reservations.
• The Radisson, at 100 Whitehaven Rd. in Grand Island, will serve up a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 1-6 p.m. featuring turkey and ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, soups, salads, vegetables and desserts. Cost is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, $13.95 for children and free for children 4 and under – for more information and to make reservations, call 716-773-1111.
• Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main St. in Clarence, will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The buffet will include more than one dozen hot dishes including turkey, carved roast beef, pork tenderloin and Seafood Newberg. Reservations are required – call 716-634-8425 for more information.
• The Italian Village, located at 6354 Transit Rd.in Depew, offers a Thanksgiving buffet from noon-7 p.m. with roast beef, baked ham and turkey, plus breaded pork, sausage with peppers and onions, stuffed shells, vegetable medley, soup and salad, a dessert station and more. Cost is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 6-13 and free for kids 5 and under – for reservations, call 716-634-1804.
• Orazio’s, located at 9415 Main St. in Clarence, will serve a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. featuring carving station (prime rib, ham, turkey), stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, a pasta station, dessert station and more. Cost is $28.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 3-10 – call 716-759-8888 for reservations. 

Western New York 2016 Independence Weekend fireworks guide

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dori

**fireworks should begin at dusk unless otherwise noted**

July 1 –

• Salamanca – Seneca Allegany Casino – 9:30 p.m.

July 2 –

• Cherry Creek – Town Park
• Ellicottville –Summer Fest (after BPO concert)
• Varysburg – Jam in the Valley

July 3 –

• Akron – Veteran’s Park
• Buffalo – Coca Cola Field – after BPO concert
• Collins – Town Park
• East Aurora – Hamlin Park
• Evans – Lake Erie Beach Park
• Hamburg – Woodlawn Beach
• Town of Niagara Community Park
• Niagara Falls – Seneca Niagara Casino
• Olcott/Newfane – West Pier
• Silver Creek – George Borrello Park
• Town of Tonawanda – Kenney Field

July 4 –

• Amherst – UB North Campus
• Batavia – Dwyer Stadium – after baseball game
• Bemus Point – Midway State Park – 10:05 p.m.
• Boston – Town Park (rain date July 5)
• Buffalo – Canalside (rain date July 5)
• Cheektowaga – Town Park
• Clarence – Town Park
• Concord – Town Park
• Dunkirk – Memorial Park
• Franklinville – Woods at Bear Creek
• Grand Island – Martin's Fantasy Island – 9:30 p.m.
• Lancaster – Save-A-Lot parking lot/Aurora St.  – 10 p.m.
• Lewiston – Academy Park
• Lockport - Outwater Park
• Lyndonville – High School parking lot
• Mayville – Lakeside Park
• Niagara Falls – Goat Island – 10 p.m.
• Olean – Bradner Stadium
• Orchard Park – Middle School – 9:30 p.m.
• Pendleton – Town Park
• Royalton – Hartland Town Park
• Tonawanda – Niawanda Park
• Warsaw – Village Park – 10:30 p.m.
• Wheatfield – Oppenheim Park

Find an updated list at www.wgrz.com.

*****All dates and times subject to change and the weather*****

Summer 2016: Things to do Memorial Day weekend in Buffalo-Niagara

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Staben

The unofficial start of summer in the Buffalo-Niagara region is Memorial Day weekend, and there’s plenty going on in the area to kick off the season. Here are a few of the happenings this weekend.

Take a tour – Check out a Buffalo Bites food tour of the Elmwood Village (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or East Aurora (Friday and Saturday), or one of Explore Buffalo’s numerous tours (click here for the schedule).

Ransomville Speedway – double the fun at Ransomville Speedway Memorial Day weekend, with a full card of racing on schedule for Friday, May 27 and a special Super DIRTcar 358 Modified Series 75-lapper plus Sportsman, 4-Bangers and fireworks on Monday, May 30. Grandstands open at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7:15 p.m. both nights.

Holland Speedway – Holland Speedway kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, May 28 with the first race in the Sunoco Pro Modified Triple Crown, plus a full card of racing in its other divisions. Grandstands open at 5:45 p.m., with racing underway at 6 p.m.

Parades – there are Memorial Day parades happening on Monday in Kenmore-Tonawanda (11 a.m. – beginning at Sheridan Dr. and Delaware Ave.), Clarence (11 a.m. – from High School to Main St. Town Park), Collins (11 a.m. – begins at Main St. and Collins Center Zoar Rd.), Lancaster (9 a.m. – service and parade beginning at Lake Ave. Veteran’s Park), Orchard Park (9 a.m. – beginning at the Orchard Park Library, 4570 S. Buffalo St.), West Seneca (10:30 a.m. – from Southgate Plaza to Town Hall) and Williamsville (2 p.m. – beginning at Williamsville South High School on Main St.).

Find more ideas for Memorial Day weekend in my Parachute piece.

Celebrate the Buffalo Way: Dyngus Day 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Kpalion

Buffalo is considered the “official” home of Dyngus Day in the U.S., and with good reason – not just because of the number of Polish-Americans in the area, but also the fact that week can take a one-day holiday and make it last a week (see St. Patrick’s Day!).

Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the Lenten season, and takes place on Monday after Easter Sunday – this year, it’s on Monday, March 28. I’ve seen it compared to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) at the other end of the Lenten calendar – instead of beads, get out your pussy willow branches and squirt guns.

Among the activities for this year’s celebration:

• The 10^th annual Dyngus Day Parade through the historic Polonia District at 5 p.m., featuring more than 130 floats and participants.
• Throughout the day, a number of venues – church halls, restaurants and bars among them – will be hosting parties complete with food and beverages, music and dancing.
• The Broadway Market, located at 999 Broadway, will host a kielbasa-eating contest starting at noon.
• The Pussywillow Park Party Tent on Memorial Dr. opens at 3 p.m. and features Food Truck Alley, live music and homemade pierogi.

Find a complete schedule of events at www.dyngusday.com. 

2016 Easter brunch and dinner ideas in Buffalo-Niagara

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/potowizard

The Easter holiday is coming up on Sunday, March 27, and many families will head straight from church services to brunches and dinners. Here are a few of the restaurants serving traditional Easter brunches and dinners.

• Salvatore’s Italian Gardens – located at 6461 Transit Rd. in Depew, Salvatore’s will offer Easter brunch on March 20 and March 27, with reservations starting at 10:30 a.m. Brunch will feature omelet and carving stations, salads, numerous hot selections, a children’s buffet and assorted sweets. Cost for brunch is $31 for adults and $19 for children ages 5 to 12, $11 for children ages 3 and 4, and free for children under 3; reservations can be made at 716-683-7990.
• La Galleria – located on Southwestern Ave. near Abbott in Orchard Park, La Galleria will offer its 40^th annual Easter buffet from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (last seating at 5:30 p.m.), featuring baked ham, chicken breast Supreme, fresh vegetable medley, baked pasta and meatballs and more, plus a large assortment of desserts. Cost is $25.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 5 to 11, and free for children 4 and under. Call 716-648-4880 for reservations.
• Glen Iris Inn – located in Letchworth State Park in Castile, the Glen Iris Inn will offer Breakfast with the Easter Bunny featuring a breakfast buffet. Seatings are available from 8 to 10:30 a.m.; cost is $13.95 for adults and $6.95 for children – make reservations at 585-493-2622. Dinner reservations are also being accepted at the same number – dinner is available from noon-8 p.m.
• Italian Village – located at 6354 Transit Rd. in Depew, the Italian Village offers an Easter buffet from noon to 8 p.m. featuring a carving station, hot items including roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffed shells and more, soup and salad and a dessert station. Cost is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 6 to 13, and free for children 5 and under – make reservations at 716-634-1804.
• Ramada and Embers Restaurant – located at 2402 N. Forest Rd. in Getzville, the Ramada will offer an Easter brunch with two seatings available – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cost is $22.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 4 to 12 and free for children under 4; call 716-636-7500 for reservations. Embers Restaurant at the Ramada will offer a special Easter dinner menu from 2-8 p.m. as well.
• Gate House Grill – the Gate House Grill, located at 8220 Main St. in Williamsville, is offering a special Easter dinner menu from 2-7 p.m., featuring roast turkey, chicken marsala, slow-roasted prime rib and more; all dinners include potato and fresh vegetable. Call 716-565-0338 for reservations.
• Adam’s Mark – Adam’s Mark Hotel and Event Center, located at 120 Church St. in downtown Buffalo, is offering a champagne brunch buffet featuring an omlette station, French toast, carving stations, ricotta-stuffed ravioli, mussels and more, plus a dessert station and kids’ station. Cost is $29.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 5-10 and free for kids 4 and under – call 716-845-5100 for reservations.
• The 31 Club – located at 31 N. Johnson Park in Buffalo, The 31 Club is offering a grand buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring eggs benedict, Belgian waffles, chicken piccata, carved leg of lamb and more, plus a deluxe dessert table. Cost is $31.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 12 and under – call 716-332-3131 for reservations.
• Pane’s – located at 984 Payne Ave. in North Tonawanda, Pane’s is offering Easter dinner from 2-8 p.m. featuring carved roast beef, ham and turkey, a pasta station, salads, seafood stir fry, desserts and much more. They will also be serving a brunch buffet from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are recommended – call 716-692-7076.
• Statler City – Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, offers brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. featuring Belgium waffle station, boneless leg of lamb, orange marmalade ham, mimosas (21 and over after noon) and much more. Cost is $35.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 3-11 and free for kids under 3. – call 716-853-3300 for reservations.
• Tavern at Windsor Park – the Tavern, located at 8444 Transit Rd. in Williamsville, is offering Easter brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring traditional breakfast fare, breakfast pizza, rice pilaf, carved turkey and ham, pasta and chef salads, fresh fruits and vegetables and more. Cost is $21.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors (60+), and $17.95 for kids 4-11 – call 716-689-6600 for reservations.

St. Patrick’s celebrations in Buffalo – March 2016

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Did you know that Buffalo was recently named the second-best large city in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in? (Darn, we got beat by Boston AGAIN!) Here are a few of the reasons why.

• St. Patrick’s Week at the Irishman – now through Sunday, March 20 at the Irishman Pub & Eatery, 5601 Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. On Wednesday, March 16, check out the Clann Na Cara Irish Dancers at 6:30 p.m. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Rince Na Tiarna Dancers perform at 1 p.m., with music from Step in Time from 1-5 p.m. and Stone Row from 6-10 p.m. On Friday, March 18, the Clann Na Cara Dancers return at 5:30 p.m., and Celtic Cross performs at 9 p.m. On Saturday, March 19, Rochez-LAchey School of Irish Dancers performs at 6 p.m., with music from Poor ‘Oulde Goat at 9 p.m. On Sunday, March 20, Joe Head performs from 4:30-7:30 p.m., with a set by the Rince Na Tiarna Dancers at 5 p.m. Other St. Patrick’s Week events are taking place at restaurants throughout the Village, including The Glen Park Tavern, Creekview, Eagle House, Sweet Jenny’s and Break’n Eggs Creperie.
• D’Arcy McGee’s – check out D’Arcy McGee’s at 257 Franklin St. in Buffalo on St. Patrick’s Day for Jeremy Hoyle at 6 p.m., then join them after the parade on Sunday, March 20 for live music on two stages and a party in their huge heated tent.
• Live at O’Larkin – on Friday, March 18, continue the celebration at Larkin Square in downtown Buffalo for its fourth annual St. Patrick’s event. Taking place from 4:3-8 p.m., the event features four performances – music from McCarthyizm and Poor ‘Oulde Goat, salutes from the Greater Buffalo Firefighters Pipe and Drums, and dance from the Clann Na Cara Irish Dancers. There will also be food trucks, seasonal offerings from Flying Bison and Buffalo Distilling and an Irish marketplace.
• Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Parade – Saturday, March 19 at noon, beginning at the Valley Community Center, located at 93 Leddy St. in Buffalo, and winding through South Park Ave., Smith St., Elk St., Hamburg St., South St. and Louisiana St. Following the parade, a traditional Irish “hooley” will take place at the Center, with music from The Leftovers. Find out more at thevalleycenter.com.
• Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 20 on Delaware Ave. in Buffalo at 2 p.m. The annual mass will be celebrated by Bishop Richard J. Malone at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. before the line-up for the parade. Get more information at www.buffalostpatricksdayparade.com.

2015 Holiday Happenings: The Aquarium of Niagara, Holiday Market at the Foundry and M&T Music Under the Dome

credit: Wikimedia Commons/hmbascom

The Aquarium of Niagara, located at 701 Whirlpool St. in Niagara Falls, is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 13 and Saturday, December 19. In addition to a visit from Santa, there will be prizes, crafts, a special sea lion show and other surprises. Admission is $7 for adult members – children of members are free of charge – or $14 for adult non-members and $11 for children. Get more information at www.aquariumofniagara.org.

On Saturdays, December 12 and 19, knock a few gifts off your list at the Holiday Market at The Foundry, 298 Northampton St. in Buffalo. Expect 20-30 local artisans to join current permanent residents, with products like repurposed furniture, metal work, jewelry, wood work and more.

M&T Bank’s Holiday Music Under the Dome kicked off this week, featuring high school groups from the Buffalo area beginning at noon on weekdays. On the upcoming schedule:

• Friday, December 11 – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Swing Choir
• Monday, December 14 – Canisius High School Ensembles
• Tuesday, December 15 – Mount Mercy Academy “Pure Magic” Show Choir
• Wednesday, December 16 – Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School Men’s Chorus
• Thursday, December 17 – Iroquois High School Choirs
• Friday, December 18 – St. Francis High School Senior Schola Cantorum

In addition, on Saturday, December 12, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 1 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public at M&T’s One Fountain Plaza branch in downtown Buffalo.

BfloGirlWorld: Gift ideas from the heart of Buffalo

Loganberry from Gridlock Lacquer
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

A few last-minute holiday gift ideas and some places to get them for the Buffa-lover on your gift list.

Gridlock Lacquer – I’m a nail polish junkie, and I LOOOOOOVE this brand – not just because it’s made right here in Buffalo, either! My favorites so far are Loganberry and Nickel City, but I’m hoping to find The French Connection soon!

Buffalo Bites Food Tours – take a food and walking historical tour through the Elmwood Village or East Aurora. Purchase a gift certificate for a tour ($49 per person), which run Thursdays through Sundays, April through December at 11:30 a.m. in the Village and Fridays and Saturdays, April through November at noon in East Aurora.

BFLO Gallery and Gift Shop – looking for just about ANYTHING Buffalo related? This is one of the best places to go! Photos, memorabilia, things for the kitchen, Gridlock Lacquer nail polish (see above), books, t-shirts…so much Buffalo in one place!

The gift of membership – give some culture with a membership to one of Buffalo’s cultural icons – the Buffalo Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Museum of Science are just a few ideas.

2015 Holiday Happenings: It WAS A Wonderful Life and the Rich-Twinn Octagon House

Rich-Twinn Octagon House
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Take a trip through history during Forest Lawn Cemetery’s production of “It WAS A Wonderful Life,” taking place in the Forest Lawn chapel at 1411 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo on weekends through Sunday, December 27. Join narrator “John Lay,” the first person to be interred in Forest Lawn in 1850, as he introduces you to the “friends” he’s made over the years. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited for each performance, so reservations are required – call 716-885-1600 for reservations. Find out more at www.forest-lawn.com.

Check out some of the area’s historical architecture in full Victorian holiday regalia with a trip to the Rich-Twinn Octagon House, located at 145 Main St. in Akron. Sunday afternoon tours are available December 13 and 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. – admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-10. Find out more about the Octagon House at www.newsteadhistoricalsociety.org. 

BfloGirlSports: Gift ideas for the Buffalo sports fan

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Looking for a last-minute gift for the Buffalo sports fan on your holiday list? Check out these affordable options from some of the area’s top teams.

Buffalo Bandits – affordable season tickets in pro sports? Absolutely – with all the action you would want to see as well. Season tickets for the National Lacrosse League Bandits start at just $108 per seat for a nine-game schedule that begins on January 9. Don’t want to commit to a full season? Individual tickets start at only $21 per game; all tickets go on sale December 5. One game to keep in mind: on Friday, March 11, Buffalo’s other No. 11 – John Tavares – gets his jersey hoisted into the rafters. Find out more at www.bandits.com.

Buffalo Sabres – the Sabres offer Hat Trick Pack, including two 300-level II tickets for selected Sabres games (see the list here) and a Sabres hat for $99. Visit sabres.nhl.com for more information.

Buffalo Bisons – the Bisons offer three Holiday Packs for the 2016 season, each including two tickets to the home opener at Coca Cola Field on Thursday, April 14. Pack No. 1 also includes two flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and Bisons Flag for $42; Pack No. 2 includes four flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and a Bisons polo shirt for $62; and Pack No. 3 includes six flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and a Bisons duffel bag for $82. Get more information here, and find out about other ticket packages and specials at the Bisons’ website.

2015 Holiday Happenings: Larkin Square and the Buffalo Zoo

Celebrate the season at "Larkinville" on Friday
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Get into the holiday swing this weekend at Larkin Square, or get the kids to the Buffalo Zoo for an upcoming event.

Holiday Live at Larkin – Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St. in Buffalo. The fourth annual event will feature music from Robot Holiday, a holiday marketplace, and food from some of Buffalo’s favorite food trucks. Earlier in the day, check out the Indoor Holiday Market featuring over 30 local craft and food vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more details at www.larkinsquare.com.

Buffalo Zoo Tree Lighting – Saturday, December 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Zoo admission will be just $5 per person beginning at 3 p.m., and the gates will remain pen until 5 p.m.; the tree will be located near the new Arctic Edge exhibit. Find out more at www.buffalozoo.org.

Breakfast with Santa – Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13 and December 19-20 at the Zoo. Santa and his elves will visit kids for two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m., each day; featuring a breakfast buffet from CJ’s Catering. Pre-paid, non-refundable tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for children (members receive $5 discount per ticket); visit www.buffalozoo.org for tickets and more information or call 716-995-6133.

Statler City Ice Ball – December 31, 2015

The fifth annual Statler City Ice Ball will take place Thursday, December 31 at Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. (entrance will be on Franklin and Genesee Sts.) in downtown Buffalo. The event will feature live music and DJs, hot and cold food stations plus a dinner buffet and much more.

Entertainment includes Boys of Summer, Jeremy Hoyle and Strictly Hip Jeff Toy from Toy Brothers and more.

Included on the menu will be cold displays including the Chilled Seafood Station and Salad Station; Carving Station; a dinner buffet including meatloaf, mashed potatoes, herb-crusted black cod, Sam Adams Beer-Braised Short Ribs and more; a Grande Dessert and Coffee Station; and a late-night menu (to be announced).

Ice Ball tickets includes five hours of premium open bar, food, a champagne toast and seating for all guests. There will also be free parking at the Turner Ramp next to City Hall and free coat check at the Statler. Tickets start at $105 per person and can be purchased at www.statlercity.com/iceball. 

Five Things to do in December 2015

Another holiday season, another new year, another year of fun in Buffalo! Close out December with one of these fun events.

Holiday Happening – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 and December 11-13 at participating wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Sample holiday cookies or desserts at each winery you visit, and take home a recipe booklet of unique treats; tickets are good for all six days of the event and include a commemorative wine glass at your first winery and a cookie/dessert sample and three tastings at each winery you visit. Tickets are $32.40 per person or $59.40 (includes sales tax) per couple online, and are limited; find out more at niagarawinetrail.org.

Holiday in the Village – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 on Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. On Friday night at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) the Williamsville Meeting House brings Mike Randall in for A Christmas Carol (tickets $5 pre-sale, $10 at the door – limited to 150 people). On Saturday, there’s free trolley rides on Main St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), pictures with Santa at the Mill (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and shopping in the Village, followed  by the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. in front of Village Hall. On Sunday, The Meeting House will host Steve Balesteri’s Christmas in the Village concert at 6:30 p.m. (tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door). For more information, click here.

Lewiston Tour of Homes and Christmas Walk – Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Village of Lewiston. The Tour of Homes is the signature fundraising event for the Historical Association of Lewiston, with each home featuring festive decorations including Christmas tablescapes and entertaining ideas. Tickets are $25 each day, and includes the tour as well as a dessert tasting reception at the Barton Hill Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Holiday Gift Market at Lewiston No. 1 Fire Hall (145 N. 6^th St.) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 20 vendors. The Christmas Walk will take place throughout the Village and will feature carriage rides, carolers, a parade and a visit from Santa on Saturday.

Holidays with the BPO – the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers up holiday programing beginning with JoAnn Falletta’s Classical Christmas, Friday and Saturday, December 11-12 at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo; Friday’s show is at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday’s is at 8 p.m., and also features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. On Sunday, December 13, the Jingle Bell Jam at 2:30 p.m. features music from The Polar Express, dancers from the Royal Academy of Ballet and Verve Dance Studios and the Amherst Bel Canto Chorus. Friday through Sunday, December 18-20, join new BPO Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell for the Holiday Pops concerts (Friday – 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday – 8 p.m., Sunday – 2:30 p.m.).

First Night Buffalo – Thursday, December 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 27^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Ticket information will be announced soon – find out more about First Night at firstnightbuffalo.org. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Power Vista Festival of Trees and Ontario Winter Festival of Lights

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sse1478

Head up to Niagara Falls to check out the Festival of trees on this side of the border, or grab your enhanced license and cross the border for another Festival of Lights.

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees – December 1 through January 1 at the Niagara Power Plant Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Rd. (Rt. 104) in Lewiston. Check out beautifully decorated trees and visit the nearby Niagara Discovery Center during the annual event. On December 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Power Vista hosts its annual Deck the Halls event, featuring crafts and entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, trolley rides and more. Find out more at the Power Vista website.

Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights – now through January 31 at numerous attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The festival features more than five kilometers of light displays through the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and other tourist areas. There will be a number of spectacular fireworks shows during the course of the festival – click here for dates and times. For more information on the festival, visit www.wfol.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Darwin Martin House and Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights

See the improvements to the Darwin Martin House
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Have out-of-town visitors coming in for the Thanksgiving holiday? Take them to see the improvements at the Darwin Martin House, or take them to Youngstown to see the Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights.

The Darwin Martin House will be open for tours Friday and Saturday, November 27-28. Located at 125 Jewett Pkwy. in Buffalo, visitors will see the improvements made to the estate during additional tours for the holiday weekend. The Martin House tour is offered both days at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – tour cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and free for members. The Martin House Plus tour is offered both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – tour cost is $35 for adults, $33 for seniors and $27 for students and members. Find out more at www.darwinmartinhouse.org.

The Fatima Shrine Festivalof Lights takes place November 21 through January 6 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 1023 Swann Rd. in Youngstown. The lights will be on display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., and the gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out the festival from the top of the Basilica and see 75 displays and 15 acres of Christmas lights, and view the Avenue of Saints. Fatima Shrine will host Thanksgiving Day mass at 11:30 a.m., as well as Christmas Eve masses at 4 p.m. and midnight and Christmas Day masses at 9 a.m. and noon. Find out more at www.fatimashrine.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Fairgrounds Festival of Lights and Victorian Christmas

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Two more events coming up – lights in Hamburg and Victorian elegance at one of Buffalo’s historic places.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, featuring nearly two miles of light displays and lots of family activities, takes over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg (enter from South Park Ave.) on weekends beginning November 27-29 and running December 4-6, December 11-13, extended hours December 18-23 and December 26-27. New in 2015: The Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 27-29, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Gates are open 5 to 9 p.m. (grounds remain open through 10 p.m.); admission is $25 per carload, $50 per busload.

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, located at 641 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, offers up its annual Victorian Christmas, with events taking place Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 12. The holiday display is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (general admission $5 per person – December 4-12). The event will also feature fashion show luncheons, a traditional Irish Christmas dinner, wine and food pairings, musical performances and more.  Get more information on the events at www.trsite.org. 

BfloGirlBake: Holiday baking and cooking hotlines

Need help with your pumpkin pie?
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It’s that time of year again – food being purchase, food being made, food being consumed…let’s face it, the holidays are all about food! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving on your own for the first time or need a great recipe – or a tip – for the perfect apple or pumpkin pie, there is all kinds of help out there for you. Here are a few “holiday hotlines” that will give you the tips you need.

• King Arthur Flour’s Thanksgiving Guide has all you need to know about great holiday baking – survival tips, a “head start” list, ideas for making ahead and freezing, and of course tons of recipes – there are even some gluten-free options for the guests on your list.
• The Cirsco Pie and Baking Hotline – 1-877-367-7438 – is back for its 10^th year of on-call support to help people master their desserts. In a recent survey conducted by the company, pie bakers revealed that their biggest challenge is making a crust from scratch (52%), followed by knowing how long to bak it (20%) and perfecting the filling (18%).
• The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is open through December with Butterball experts available by phone (1-800-288-8372), online chat or email. The website also features several how-to articles and videos and recipes.

Area restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in 2015

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Getting the family together for a sit-down meal, even at the holidays, can be difficult, and preparing the meal itself can be time consuming. Having your Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant is becoming more and more popular in many places, including here in Buffalo. These are a few of the Buffalo area restaurants that are serving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015.

** - I’ll be updating this entry as I find more places!**

31 Club, located at 31 North Johnson Park in Buffalo, is accepting reservations for its Thanksgiving Day three-course sit-down dinner from 1 to 8 p.m. Entrée choices are Roast Turkey, Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Ham. The costs $35.95 per person – call 716-332-3131 for reservations.

La Galleria, Southwestern Blvd. near Abbott Rd. in Orchard Park, will feature a Thanksgiving buffet from 1 to 6 p.m. with turkey, ham, Chicken Supreme, Italian sausage, stuffing, squash, potatoes, desserts and more. The cost is $24.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 5 to 10 and children under 5 are free. Call 716-648-4880 for more information.

Embers Grill, at the Ramada Hotel Amherst, 2402 North Forest Rd. in Getzville, will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 8 p.m.; cost is $22.95 for adults and $10.95 for children under 12. For reservations call 716-636-7500.

Acqua, located at 2192 Niagara St. in Buffalo, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $27.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Call 716-874-5400 for reservations.

Samuel’s Grand Manor, 8750 Main St. in Clarence, will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet for $23.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 5 to 10 and free for children 4 and under. The buffet will include more than one dozen hot dishes including turkey, carved roast beef, pork tenderloin and Seafood Newberg. Seatings are available from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations are required – call 716-634-8425.

Gate House Grill, located at 8220 Main St. in Williamsville, will offer Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 7 p.m. –cost is $18.95 per person. Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, choice of soup or salad and dessert; a scaled down version of their regular menu will also be available. Call 716-585-0338 for reservations.

The Grapevine Restaurant will host its Thanksgiving buffet at its Ellicott Creek Banquet Facility at 45 S. Ellicott Creek Rd. in Amherst (next to the Niagara Falls Blvd. restaurant). The buffet will feature turkey, ham, breaded pork chops, Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, soups and salads, sides, desserts and more. Cost is $23.99 for adults, $11.49 for children ages 6 to 11, $7.49 for children 2-5 and free for children under 2 – call 716-691-7799 for reservations.

Buffalo Chophouse, located at 282 Franklin St. in Buffalo, offers a Thanksgiving dinner featuring roast turkey, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, potatoes and more. Cost is $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under; the regular dinner menu will also be available. Make reservations at 716-842-6900.

The Italian Village, located at 6354 Transit Rd.in Depew, offers a Thanksgiving buffet with roast beef, baked ham, turkey, sausage with peppers and onions, stuffed shells, vegetable medley, soup and salads, a dessert station and more. For reservations, call 716-634-1804.

Five Things to do in November 2015

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November already?! The holiday season is fully upon us now – you can tell by the number of light and tree festivals on the schedule for November! Here are a few things to check out around Buffalo-Niagara.

Fairgrounds Festival of Lights – nearly two miles of light displays take over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg on weekends beginning November 27-29 and ending December 26-27 (also December 4-6 and December 11-13, plus extended hours December 18-23). New in 2015: The Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 27-29, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Admission is $25 per carload, $50 per busload.

Light Up Lancaster Parade – a popular event to kick off the holidays, the annual fire truck parade begins at Lancaster High School at 6 p.m. and proceeds down Central Ave., ending at Braodway; stick around for the annual tree lighting ceremony.

Paint the Town at the Buffalo History Museum – get a head start on holiday shopping at this annual fundraiser on Thursday, November 5 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Ct. in Buffalo. The event features artists with strong Buffalo ties, as well as live and silent auctions; tickets are $50 for Museum members, $70 for non-members.

Shea’s Shopping Soiree – get more holiday shopping done on Thursday, November 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. in downtown Buffalo. The sixth annual event features a variety of local vendors for pre-Black Friday shopping.

Festival of Trees –this annual fundraiser benefitting the new John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital takes place November 21 through December 3 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo. Among the events that are part of the festival: the Black Tie Gala on November 21, the Designer Showcase Reception and Award on November 24 and the Haute Holiday Fashion Show on December 2; general admission to view the trees is free.