Erie County invites community to celebrate America 250 with free weekend of patriotic family fun on Buffalo's waterfront

‘716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes, & Signers’ will feature live entertainment, historic ships, military history, local food, fireworks finale

Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park press release

The Western New York community is invited to gather on Buffalo’s waterfront this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, for a full weekend of patriotism, history, music and family fun, as Erie County hosts its signature America 250 celebration at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and Canalside.

“716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes & Signers,” presented by Erie County, the Erie County Historical Commission, and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with free public programming beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, with an evening fireworks spectacular over Buffalo’s Inner Harbor.

Spend the day exploring Buffalo’s historic waterfront, tour the Buffalo Naval Park’s historic ships, experience military living history reenactors, enjoy historical presentations and interactive exhibits, listen to live music, sample food from local vendors, and watch performances that celebrate the many traditions that have helped shape the American story.

A centerpiece of the celebration will be what organizers believe is New York’s largest reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. Created by the Erie County Historical Commission, the interactive display invites visitors to add their names in recognition of Ratification Day, commemorating the historic occasion when members of the Continental Congress began signing the engrossed parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors will also have a unique opportunity to tour Buffalo’s historic E.M. Cotter fireboat, the oldest active fireboat in the world, before the beloved vessel returns to the harbor for its signature water display during the evening ceremony.

Neighboring Canalside attractions including Explore & More Children’s Museum, the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, “The Waterway of Change” exhibit at The Longshed, and the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Erie Canal Boat “Seneca Chief” will also be open with extended hours. As the celebration moves into the evening, guests will gather for a patriotic ceremony featuring Rich Newberg, retired WIVB-TV senior correspondent; a public reading of the Declaration of Independence; a performance by the acclaimed Unity Band; and a spectacular fireworks finale over Buffalo’s Inner Harbor.

The event will continue Sunday with additional performances, speakers, and community programming.

Set against the backdrop of Buffalo’s historic naval ships and revitalized waterfront, the celebration offers a uniquely American setting to honor this nation’s past while enjoying one of Western New York’s signature summer events.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a chance for Erie County residents to come together and celebrate the history, values and people that unite us,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. “We invite everyone to join us on Buffalo’s waterfront for a memorable day of patriotism, family fun, and community.”

“Ratification Day reminds us that America’s story was built by ordinary people who believed in extraordinary ideals,” said Richard Pyszczek, chair of the Erie County Historical Commission and New York state America 250 commissioner. “We’re proud to bring that history to life through an event that invites everyone to be part of the celebration.”

“Every day, these ships tell the stories of the Americans who defended our freedom,” said Brian Luallen, president and CEO of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. “America’s 250th is the perfect time to experience that history together, and we can’t wait to welcome Western New York to the waterfront.”

Admission to all public programming is free.

Whether you stop by for an afternoon or spend the entire weekend on the waterfront, “716 Celebrates: Stars, Stripes & Signers” offers something for every generation. Visitors are encouraged to review the event's website at www.buffalonavalpark.org/716-celebrates/ before attending to see the full schedule and additional information.