By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The 4th of July weekend drew thousands to downtown Buffalo's waterfront. Brand new amenities allowed citizens to enjoy the holiday weekend by the water along the Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf.
According to organizers of celebrations along the canal, about 40,000 gathered throughout the weekend at the Commercial Slip that began Thursday evening with Thursday in the Square's concert series.
4th of July celebrations on Monday included a flag ceremony to honor veterans. There was activities for children and live music. But the highlight of the event was a professional fireworks display over the waterfront.
The Wharf was packed with people watching and celebrating the fireworks display. Some stretched out blankets and lawn chairs, others watched standing along nearby streets or in parked cars along the Commercial Slip to watch the high-impact display.
The fireworks included colorful displays of red, white and blue. Some even cracked opened into smiley faces. It wooed the crowd and ended with applauds and shouts of joy.