It's that time of year again. December has just begun, the holidays are near, and white flakes are starting to fall from the sky.
And the City of Buffalo is ready to jumpstart the winter season.
On Saturday, First Niagara Bank and Buffalo Place will be presenting the 2010 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. This annual event marks the official opening of the free skating season at Rotary Rink and marks the beginning of the holiday season for the City of Buffalo.
Festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with activities for attendees of all ages. Santa and his elves will be in attendance from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will be ready to visit with children. The young and young at heart can also enjoy Santa's holiday gifts, horse and wagon rides, clowns and balloon art, and face painting.
All activities are offered free to the public.
Rotary Rink will remain open until late March, depending on weather conditions. Guests who bring their own skates will be able to enjoy free ice time. Skate rentals are $2 for children and $3 for adults.
At 6 p.m., the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Fountain Plaza will commence. Byron W. Brown, mayor of the City of Buffalo, Christopher C. Collins, Erie County executive, and a representative from First Niagara Bank will serve as distinguished speakers before leading the countdown.
Santa will light a fireworks display over the rink following the countdown and official lighting of the tree.
Saturday's festivities mark the 27th consecutive year Buffalo Place has produced the downtown tree-lighting event. This event not only opens Rotary Rink to a season of free ice skating but also stands as the marquee event showcasing the Buffalo holiday season.
Rotary Rink is downtown Buffalo's only free outdoor ice skating rink and offers the public an affordable and fun social alternative.
"The Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by First Niagara Bank, is a fantastic way for families to celebrate the start of the holiday season in Downtown Buffalo," said Jackie Jonmaire, marketing coordinator for Buffalo Place, Inc.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza is located at the corner of Main and Chippewa Streets. The rink is easily accessible from the NFTA rail system.
Refreshments will be available for purchase at the concession stand at Rotary Rink. Additionally, the neighboring Coffee Culture shop will be open from noon until 10 p.m.
For more information on this event, the 2010-2011 free ice skating season, and Buffalo Place, Inc., visit http://www.buffaloplace.com or call the offices at (716) 856-3250.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
