Starting Fourth of July celebrations on the third of the month has become a Western New York tradition, started by the Buffalo Bisons more than two decades ago. For this year's celebration, the Herd is offering new twists on a classic tradition.
"Who doesn't love fireworks?" asked Brad Bisbing, Bisons director of Marketing and Public Relations.
It is the question that nearly answers itself, as the the Fourth of July Celebration at Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo prepares for its 24th year.
"And we're really excited this year because we totally re-designed our fireworks show," Bisbing said. "It's already the biggest fireworks show of the year, but this year it's totally revamped. It's going to be on the field, it's going to be on the outfield wall, it's going to be during the songs. It's really what we're calling a fireworks experience."
Songs, you said?
New this year will be the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing a selection of patriotic songs and movie soundtracks celebrating an anniversary this year. There also will be a salute to the troops, on the field and in the stands - plus some surprises.
Bisbing said this time of year is an especially great time to come to the ballpark.
"It's exciting to see the stage go up here at Coca-Cola Field, that the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on Tuesday night for our 24th annual KeyBank Indpendence Day Celebration, an event that has really become such a marque event of a Western New York summer," he said.
Tickets are still available for the game and post-game festivities.