As an expert on the vibrant and diverse community of Erie County, located in the western region of New York, I am excited to share with you the variety of annual celebrations that take place here. From cultural festivals to holiday traditions, there is always something to celebrate in this bustling county.
The Taste of Buffalo
One of the most highly anticipated events in Erie County is The Taste of Buffalo, a two-day food festival that takes place in downtown Buffalo every July. This festival, which began in 1984, showcases the best of the region's culinary scene with over 50 local restaurants participating each year. Visitors can sample a variety of dishes, from traditional Buffalo wings to international cuisine, while enjoying live music and entertainment. The Taste of Buffalo is not only a celebration of food, but also a celebration of community.The festival is run by over 1,000 volunteers and has raised over $500,000 for local charities since its inception. It has also been named the largest two-day food festival in the United States by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The National Buffalo Wing Festival
Speaking of Buffalo wings, another popular annual celebration in Erie County is The National Buffalo Wing Festival. Held on Labor Day weekend at Sahlen Field in downtown Buffalo, this festival attracts over 70,000 visitors each year who come to indulge in all things wings. The festival features wing-eating contests, live music, and of course, plenty of wings from local restaurants and vendors. It also hosts the annual U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship, where competitors from around the world compete to see who can eat the most wings in 12 minutes.
The Erie County Fair
For over 180 years, The Erie County Fair has been a staple in the community, drawing in over 1 million visitors each year. This 12-day event, held in August, is the largest county fair in New York and one of the top 10 fairs in North America. The fair offers a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and of course, plenty of fair food. It also hosts special events such as the demolition derby and the famous butter sculpture, which is a must-see for many fairgoers.The Italian Festival
Erie County is home to a large Italian-American population, and this is celebrated every year at The Italian Festival in Buffalo's historic Little Italy neighborhood.This four-day festival, held in July, features traditional Italian food, live music and dancing, and cultural activities such as bocce ball tournaments. The festival also hosts a grape stomping competition, where participants compete to see who can stomp the most grapes in a given time. This event pays homage to the region's rich history of grape growing and winemaking.
The Dyngus Day Parade
Another unique celebration in Erie County is Dyngus Day, a Polish-American holiday that takes place on Easter Monday. The holiday celebrates the end of Lent and is known for its lively parades and traditional Polish food and drink. In Buffalo's Polonia District, The Dyngus Day parade draws in thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere and participate in the tradition of splashing water on one another as a sign of good luck. The parade also features Polish dancers, musicians, and floats.The Buffalo St.
Patrick's Day ParadeSt. Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the world, but in Erie County, it is a particularly big event.
The Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade
, which has been a tradition since 1940, is one of the largest parades in the country, drawing in over 100,000 spectators each year. The parade features marching bands, Irish dancers, and floats representing various Irish organizations and businesses.It is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture, and many local bars and restaurants offer traditional Irish food and drink specials to continue the festivities.
The Allentown Art Festival
For over 60 years, The Allentown Art Festival has been a highlight of the summer season in Erie County. This two-day festival, held in June, showcases the work of over 400 artists from around the country and attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. The festival also features live music, food vendors, and a children's area with activities and entertainment. It is a celebration of creativity and community, and a great opportunity to support local artists.The Buffalo Greek Fest
Another cultural celebration in Erie County is The Buffalo Greek Fest, held in June at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. This three-day festival offers a taste of Greek culture with traditional food, music, dancing, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can enjoy dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, and baklava while watching traditional Greek dances and listening to live music.The festival also hosts cooking demonstrations and offers tours of the church's Byzantine-style architecture.
