The HarborCenter Fall Festival at Canalside wraps up today but organizers are hoping folks who come out for the festivities walk away with the impression that the area is a year-round destination.
Canalside has grown in popularity over the summer months, known for hosting concerts, big screen events and other warm weather festivities - now officials are hoping to attract a crowd to the waterfront as the weather turns chilly.
HarborCenter and Canalside worked together to plan this weekend's fall festival at Canalside. HarborCenter President John Koelmel says it's one of many events they're collaborating on to let folks know the area is not simply a summer destination, but a great place to be regardless of the time of year.
Koelmel notes "winter is prime-time" for HarborCenter. "You'll have indoor skating and entertainment at Harbor Center, You'll have outdoor skating and entertainment at Canalside. There will be multiple other venues that have and will eventually come online around the the district," said Koelmel, who adds, "We encourage everyone to come and take a look around, walk, get a little more comfortable with spending time down here and finding their way around. We're committed to making it pedestrian friendly and easy to access. As construction winds down on our facility, the streets will be more available so we're looking forward to surprising and, as they say, dazzling everybody with a great time on the waterfront."
Koelmel says HarborCenter officially opens October 31st for hockey, with retail shops opening in the coming months and the hotel scheduled to open in the Spring-Summer of 2015.
Today's Fall Fest features a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, music - and a big screening of this afternoon's Sabres game against the Anaheim Ducks to be followed by Fireworks.