Botanics & Brews: July 21, 2016

Support renovations to the Botanical Gardens at Botanics &
Brews - credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Support the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens and sample some of the Buffalo area’s best craft beers at Botanics & Brews from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 at the Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. in Buffalo. Tickets are $30 for Garden members and $35 for non-members.

The event features craft beer tastings from Resurgence Brewing Company, Flying Bison Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing and 12 Gates Brewing Company, as well as beer and cheese pairings from Cabot Cheese and more tastings from Oliver’s. There will also be live music from Breakaway, raffles, Garden tours and more.

Find out more about the event and purchase tickets here.

Main-Transit Firematic Tournament – July 8, 2016

Main-Transit Fire Dept. in Williamsville hosted their annual WNY Firematic Tournament on Friday, July 8 at the facilities on Main St. In spite of the looming weather forecast (of course, we didn’t see any rain that night!), plenty of people were on hand to see what it was all about.

Main-Transit will host the NYS Firematic Tournament, featuring more than 50 teams from throughout the state, on Saturday, August 20 – find out more here.

Canal Fest: July 17-24, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk33

The 34^th annual Canal Fest of the Tonawandas takes place Sunday, July 17 through Sunday, July 24 on both sides of the Erie Canal in the Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. The eight-day festival celebrates the twin cities and promotes local businesses and organizations.

Among the highlighted events at Canal Fest this year are the Chalk-It-Up Street Art Contest on Sunday, July 17; the annual Canal Fest Parade on Tuesday, July 19; the annual Car Cruise on Wednesday, July 20; the Diaper Derby on Thursday, July 21; the Webster St. Bike Cruise on Friday, July 22; and the annual Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24.

In addition to these events, there will be food and beverages, midway rides, demonstrations and live music. Among the acts performing this year: the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band (Monday, July 18), polka favorites from Phocus (Wednesday, July 20), West of the Mark (Friday, July 22), Led Zeppelin tribute band CODA (Saturday, July 23) and Denzell Ward and Cool Platinum (Sunday, July 24).

The complete Canal Fest schedule can be found at www.canalfest.org.

Rock The Barn: July 15-16, 2016

Caitlin Koch will perform at
Rock The Barn
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

The Rock The Barn concert at The Big Yellow Barn, 9105 Main St. in Clarence, happens Saturday and Sunday, July 15-16. The two-day concert event benefits the Meals on Wheels Services in Clarence, Akron and Newstead.

This year’s Rock The Barn features headliners Fare Trade on Friday night and local X Factor contestant Caitlin Koch on Saturday night –find the full lineup of acts here. The festival has grown to include the Taste of Rock The Barn, with a variety of food from area restaurants.

Tickets for the two-day music festival are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate; kids under 10 are admitted for free. Advance tickets are available for purchase at all Dash’s Markets locations and at Rock Oak Estates’ office at 9925 Whitwick Terrace in Clarence. Find more information on Rock The Barn at rockthebarn.com. 

Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival: July 14-17, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk33

The Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, July 14-17 along Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, with live entertainment, contests, cooking demonstrations and plenty of delicious Italian food.

Entertainment on the Main Stage includes performances by the Joe Di Angelo Band (Thursday at 5 p.m.), Formula Band (Friday at 7 p.m.), Allegro (Saturday at 7 p.m.) and Jack Civilletto (Sunday at 7 p.m.) among many others. Other activities include the Buffalo Italian Idol competition, the Celebrity Charity Cheese Building Contest (Sunday at 1 p.m.), the annual Bocce Tournament and demonstrations on the Galbani Cooking Stage throughout the weekend.

The Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily – find out more about the festival and get schedules as they become available at www.buffaloitalianfestival.com.

Williamsville Old Home Days: July 12-15, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk 33

The Village of Williamsville hosts its annual Old Home Days celebration, Tuesday through Friday, July 12-15. The festivities are happening at Island Park, located on Main St. behind Town Hall in the Village.

Activities kick off on Tuesday, July 12 with the giant parade down Main St. at 6:30 p.m.; there is also a chicken dinner served by St. Stephen’s Bethlehem UCC from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 is Youth Day, with a Bike Rodeo at 11 a.m. and other youth activities throughout the day. On Thursday, July 14, Christian Central Academy offers a chicken dinner from 4-9 p.m. Friday, July 15 is Family Day at Old Home Days, with a Krolick’s Rib Dinner sponsored by the Love Joy Church OSI of Lancaster from 4-8 p.m.

There are midway rides and games open each day, and live music in both the bandshell and the beer tent, featuring local acts including Time Pirates, Hit ‘n Run and Ten Cent Howl. For more information on Old Home Days, visit the event website. 

Taste of Buffalo: July 9-10, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/JBona

It’s billed as the largest two-day food festival in the United States: the annual Taste of Buffalo takes over Delaware Ave. from Niagara Square to Chippewa St. on Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10. The festival attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually and features more than 60 of the area’s top restaurants and food trucks, as well as area wineries.

Each participating restaurant will feature “taste-sized” portions of some of their signature dishes for between two and eight tickets (tickets are 50 cents each). For participating wineries, items range from two to 15 tickets. On Saturday, visitors can also check out the Niagara East beer tent until 11 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Among the restaurants participating this year are (716) Food & Sport, Cecelia’s Ristorante, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, Ebenezer Ale House, Paula's Donuts, Lloyd Taco Truck, Osteria 166, The Lodge, Orazio’s Restaurant, Panaro's Restaurant, Schnitzel & Co., Spices of India, Ulrich’s 1868 Tavern and Gypsy Parlor. There are also six wineries scheduled to participate this year.

For a complete list of restaurants and what they’re serving, visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com. 

Five Things to do in July 2016

Glen Park in the Village of Williamsville hosts its annual
Art Festival July 30-31
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Taste of Buffalo – Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10 on Delaware Ave. in downtown buffalo, from Niagara Square to Chippewa. The largest two-day food festival in the country will feature over 60 restaurants and food trucks plus six wineries from throughout the area, as well as cooking demonstrations, a beer tent and live music. Hours are Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (beer tent until 11 p.m.) and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – find out more at www.tasteofbuffalo.com.

Old Home Days – Tuesday through Friday, July 12-15 at Island Park, Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. Events include giant parade (Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.), bike rodeo (Wednesday at 11 a.m.), a YMCA 5K run (Thursday at 6:30 p.m.), midway rides, live music and performances, food and much more. Find out more at the Old Home Days website.

Rock the Barn – Friday and Saturday, July 15-16 at The Big Yellow Barn, 9015 Main St. in Clarence. Two days of music and great food to benefit Meals on Wheels Services in Clarence, Akron and Newstead; Friday features Fare Trade, and Saturday is headlined by Caitlin Koch. Tickets are $20 in advance for both days – free for kids under 10; tickets will be $25 at the door. Find out more about the event at rockthebarn.com.

Canal Fest of the Tonawandas – Sunday, July 17 through Sunday, July 24 on both sides of the canal in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Features food and beverages, midway rides, demonstrations, live entertainment and more. Events include the Canal Fest parade (Tuesday, July 19), Car Cruise (Wednesday, July 20), Bike Cruise (Friday, July 22) and the Arts & Crafts Show (Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24). Find a complete schedule at www.canalfest.org.

Glen Park Arts Festival – Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31 at Glen Park in the Village of Williamsville, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The festival will feature numerous artisans, food, live entertainment and more. Find out more at the Glen Park Arts Festival Facebook Page. 

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*****

BfloGirlSports: July 2016 Buffalo Bisons schedule

credit: Buffalo Bisons

• Thursday through Sunday, June 30-July 3 – at home against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders (Thursday and Friday – 7:05 p.m., Saturday – 1:05 p.m., Sunday – 6:05 p.m.)
• Monday and Tuesday, July 4-5 – on the road against the Rochester Red Wings (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Wednesday and Thursday, July 6-7 – on the road against the Syracuse Chiefs (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday through Sunday, July 8-10 – at home against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Friday and Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Thursday through Sunday, July 14-17 – on the road against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Thursday and Friday – 7:05 p.m., Saturday- 6:35 p.m., Sunday – 1:35 p.m.)
• Monday through Wednesday, July 18-20 – at home against the Norfolk Tides (Monday and Tuesday – 7:05 p.m., Wednesday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Thursday through Sunday, July 21-24 – at home against the Gwinnett Braves (Thursday through Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Monday through Wednesday, July 25-27 – on the road against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders (Monday and Tuesday – 7:05 p.m., Wednesday – 12:05 p.m.)
• Thursday through Sunday, July 28-31 – at home against the Syracuse Chiefs (Thursday through Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:05 p.m.)

M&T First Friday: July 1, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Drop-in Art Activity – 10 a.m.-noon and 5-7 p.m.
• Family Fun Tour – 11-11:45 a.m. – registration required.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Public Tour – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building at 1:30 p.m.
• Outdoor Sculpture Tour – free one-hour tour at 4 p.m.
• Drop-in Art Activity – 5-7 p.m., free in the Education Classrooms.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – live music by JazzQuest Trio on the Elmwood Ave. Portico from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Gallery Talk – Marie Lorenz: Ezekia – 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Gallery for New Media.
• Artist Talk: Marie Lorenz – 6 p.m. in the Auditorium
• The Art of Food and Drink: WNY Wineries – 7 p.m. on the Elmwood Ave. Portico - $5 for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Artist Event: Marie Lorenz Pre-Launch Party – 7-9 p.m. on the Elmwood Ave. Portico

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register. For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org.

Summer 2016: July cruise nights and car shows

credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Cruise nights (ongoing):

• Mondays – Elma Towne Grill Cruise Night (6650 Clinton St. in Elma) starting at 5 p.m. through August 29
• Mondays – Lockport Monday Cruise Night at Ida Fritz Park (Main and Transit Sts. In Lockport) – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (no cruise July 4)
• Tuesdays – Dug-Out Entertainment Complex (6856 S. Transit Rd. in Lockport) – 5 to 8 p.m. – also on Friday nights – 5 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesdays – Pautler’s Cruise Night (6343 Transit Rd. in Clarence) – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays– Lancaster National Speedway and Dragway (Gunnville Rd. in Lancaster) Cruise Night – 6 to 11 p.m. – free admission; grudge racing $5 per run.
• Thursdays – Polish Falcons Auto Club Cruise Night (445 Columbia Ave. in Depew) – 6 to 9 p.m.
• Thursdays – Akron Cruise Night (Main St. in Akron) – 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursdays – 97 Rock Classic Cruise Night at Transit Lanes (7850 Transit Rd. in Williamsville) and Santora’s (7800 Transit Rd. in Williamsville) – 6 to 9 p.m.

Car shows in July:

• Wednesday, July 6 – Car Cruise to Benefit Scouting at Cappellino Chevrolet, 9000 Boston State Rd. in Boston – 4 to 9 p.m.
• Friday, July 8 – Paddock Chevrolet Super Cruise at Paddock Chevrolet, 3232 Delaware Ave. in Kenmore – 4 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, July 16 – Sixth Annual Man Up Car and Bike Show at East Amherst Fire Dept., 9100 Transit Rd. in East Amherst – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, July 16 – Burgerfest Car Show on Main St. in the Village of Hamburg – noon to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, July 17 – Cadillac-Lasalle Club of WNY Car Show at Keyser Cadillac, 4130 Sheridan Dr. in Williamsville – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 20 – 18^th Annual Canal Fest Car Cruise on Main St. in Tonawanda and Webster St. in North Tonawanda – 6 to 10 p.m.; staging begins at 3 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday, July 22-24 – Mustangs on the Niagara 2016 at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island – find more information here
• Saturday, July 30 – 22^nd Annual Lions Club Quaker Days Car and Motorcycle Show and Cruise on N. Buffalo St. in the Village of Orchard Park – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; registration begins at 9 a.m.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park – June 23-August 21, 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk 33

Shakespeare in Delaware Park kicks off this week on Thursday, June 23 with the season’s first production, the Winter’s Tale, directed by Saul Elkin. The production will run Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on Shakespeare Hill in Delaware Park through Sunday, July 17.

The season’s second production will be The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Steve Vaughan. It will also run Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 28 and ending Sunday, August 21.

Shakespeare in Delaware Park performances are free and weather-permitting – check their Facebook page for cancellation updates. Attendees can bring blankets or lawn chairs as well as food and beverages. Shakespeare Hill is located next to Hoyt Lake behind the Rose Garden, near the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

BfloGirlTravel: Jam in the Valley – June 30-July 2, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dori

One of the most popular country music festivals in the area, Jam in the Valley returns with its annual Independence Day weekend lineup of country music and fireworks at Buffalo Hill Village in Varysburg, NY. Headlining the three-day show this year: Easton Corbin, Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer and Jake Owen.

Campsites are still available – find out more here.

Tickets are already on sale, with a number of options available. A three-day general admission ticket is $109 (plus $10.50 service charge), and daily admission tickets are as follows: Thursday - $25, Friday and Saturday - $50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). Reserved seating for all three days is $145 (plus $10.50 service charge), with daily reserved seating as follows: Thursday - $30, Friday and Saturday - $67.50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). VIP seating for Thursday is priced at $40 (plus $10.50 service charge), and for Friday and Saturday is price at $115 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day); three-day VIP tickets are also available. Find out more about tickets here.

The complete Colton RV main stage lineup for Jam in the Valley:

Thursday, June 30

• Dylan Jakobsen – 4:10 p.m.
• The Hootz – 5:45 p.m.
• Ray Scott – 7:15 p.m.
• Easton Corbin – 9 p.m.

Friday, July 1

• Scott and Christian – 4:10 p.m.
• Old Southern Moonshine Revival – 5:45 p.m.
• Old Dominion – 7:15 p.m.
• Sam Hunt – 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 2

• Sasha McVeigh – 2:40 p.m.
• Eric Van Houten – 4:15 p.m.
• Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys – 5:45 p.m.
• Jana Kramer – 7:15 p.m.
• Jake Owen – 9 p.m.

Get additional information on Jam in the Valley as the date gets closer at jaminthevalley.com.