Events List 8/31/09 & More

Hey all,

A handful of us had a great time at Darien Lake on Saturday…skies cleared up within an hour of our arrival, and we were able to enjoy all the park has to offer. Thanks to everyone who came out. If you would like to go to Darien Lake and couldn’t make it this past weekend, let me know. I have extra tickets and food vouchers…they must be used by September 7 (Labor Day).


I’ve added our bloggers Kelly Mitton and Kristi Taft to this email so they can stay up dated on everything that’s MyBuffalo.com. Kelly’s blogs and podcasts can be find by searching Mittons and Kristi’s blogs and videos are under the username fluxystar. They along with Gabrielle (farahg1) and Ben T. (tsuj10) are featured in specially designed News ads as our featured contributors for their blogs, videos, podcasts, etc. Look for their ads in the paper, they’re running until Halloween.


“Welcome back” to all our contributors who have been out of the loop in the last few months.


There are a couple of events listed below that I wanted to bring to your attention: the UB Fall Fest is Saturday. We’d like to send a photographer and a writer to this college event…it’s perfect for our target demographic of 18-34. I’m also looking for volunteers to help us at the UB Football Kickoff on Thursday, September 10.


Speaking of target demo, high school sports season and college sports season is here. We’d like to cover as many of these games as possible. Let me know if you’re interested in any listed below or any high school games in your area. So far, Iroquois football, East Aurora soccer, and Maryvale football are covered.


The Wing Fest is coming up this weekend. Quite a few of you have already contacted me regarding your availability. If you haven’t done so already, please get in touch with me regarding your availability on Saturday and/or Sunday. I’m going to post a Wing Fest schedule on the contributor blog on Wednesday. Buffalo.com is sponsoring this event, so we must have a full weekend of coverage.
Here’s a schedule of events both days. http://www.buffalowing.com/c-23-events-schedule.aspx



There are no scheduled events for Wednesday or Thursday this week, but that doesn’t mean there’s NOTHING happening. If you know of an event going on that I don’t have listed PLEASE let me know.


We are currently working on a interim multi-photo uploader tool that will upload lots of photos, unfortunately they won’t go into a set. You’ll have to manually move each to a set. That interim tool will be ready very soon. The complete multi-photo uploader is coming in October.


Thank you all for your well wishes on my upcoming new addition. We’re very excited to welcome a little one to the family.


As always, email or call with questions.


Deanna


Tuesday



Buffalo State Men's Soccer: Bengals take on D’Youville at Buff State, 4pm



NU Women’s Soccer: Lady Purple Eagles take on Syracuse at Niagara, 6pm



Canisius Soccer: Griffs take on Drexel, Demske Sports Complex, 7:00pm



Friday



Buffalo State Women's Volleyball: Lady Bengals face Baptist Bible at 8pm



Saturday



31st Annual Peach Festival 5K: Race starts in front of the Key Bank branch at 493 Center St, Lewiston, NY, 9am



Run For Hope 5K: All proceeds to benefit pancreatic cancer research. Event is in memory of Connie Teresi. Lincoln Park Arena (Parker & Decatur), Buffalo, NY, 9:30am



Buffalo State Men's Cross Country: Bengals and Lady Bengals at Daniel Walker Invitational, 10 a.m.



Bird Of Prey Day: A rare opportunity to experience up-close encounters with raptors, view a flying bird show, and meet over 80 animal ambassadors! See Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Vultures and Eagles. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, 655 Luther Rd, East Aurora, 11-4pm



National Buffalo Wing Festival: Labor Day weekend Festival celebrates the Buffalo chicken wing. Chicken wing lovers from around the globe will gather to honor and devour their favorite finger food. Festivities include bands, cooking demonstrations, celebrity appearances, contests and a Kid Zone, 12p-9p



UB Fall Fest 2009: Lupe Fiasco, Common, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, show starts at 5pm, carnival runs from noon-4pm in the Special Events Field between the CFA and Student Union



Stooge Fest, Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda 7pm



Buffalo State Men's Soccer: Bengals take on Penn State Altoona at Buff State, 7:30pm



Sunday



Great American Garage: Hundreds of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, new & used merchandise, household items and more. Antique World, 11111 Main Street, Clarence, 8am-4pm



Antique and Classic Car Show: Over 400 antique cars, Elvis performs, food, and more, Southgate Plaza, 12pm-4am



National Buffalo Wing Festival: Labor Day weekend Festival celebrates the Buffalo chicken wing. Chicken wing lovers from around the globe will gather to honor and devour their favorite finger food. Festivities include bands, cooking demonstrations, celebrity appearances, contests and a Kid Zone, 12p-7p



Labor Day Harvest Festival: chicken BBQ, hayrides & pony rides and at our Kid’s Corral, pick your own Macintosh Apples, take a wagon ride to the orchard, food and refreshments available, Becker Farms, Gasport, live entertainment from 1-4pm



Women's Soccer: Lady Purple Eagles take on Cornell at Niagara 3pm



Monday (Labor Day)



33rd Annual Labor Day Ox Roast, Fireman’s Field, East Aurora 11am-7pm



Labor Day Harvest Festival: chicken BBQ, hayrides & pony rides and at our Kid’s Corral, pick your own Macintosh Apples, take a wagon ride to the orchard, food and refreshments available, Becker Farms, Gasport, live entertainment from 1-4pm

Help wanted!

Hey all,

You're all going to find out eventually so it might as well be now...I'm going to be a new mom. That's right, little Deanna is expecting. I'm due the first week of March. (Some of you are friends with me on Facebook, please don't write anything on my wall regarding my news, as much as I'd like to receive the congratulations there are some people who don't know yet).

In all honesty, we have tons o' stuff coming up in the next few weeks, and I could really use some of your time and energy to make sure all of these events are a success, and so that I don't burn myself out. Ben's concentrating his efforts on other projects at Buffalo.com and he's going to be on vacation in about a week and a half.

The Buffalo Irish Festival is coming up this weekend...Buffalo.com is one of the sponsors. We're going to have a table set up on Friday between 5-8pm where we'll be registering people for the site and giving away free stuff. If you'd like to assist me for a few hours, please let me know. On Saturday, Lizz Schumer has agreed to blog, write an article, and take photos at the event. Thanks Lizz! We are also in need of a Buffalo.com photographer who'd be willing to take photos at the Irish Festival for an hour or two on Sunday. It runs from noon until 9pm.


Next weekend, Buffalo.com and The News is also sponsoring the Wing Festival at Coca-Cola Field from noon until 9pm on Saturday and noon until 7pm on Sunday. We're sponsoring the chicken wing eating contest (We need a photographer to shoot it, I really think it's going to make me nauseous). We agreed to have a table there for portions of the event (again lots of freebees), and we'll be given full media access - photo, video, and writers to the event. As well as access to celebrity participants. There's going to be a MyBuffalo.com t-shirt toss too! Anthony Basileo has graciously agreed to help out on Sunday, but we need additional assistance on both days to make sure we cover everything.

Thursday, September 10 (I think it's 4-7pm) is the UB Football Kick-off. There are some News staffers who'll be able to help at the table (Best Buy is going to be sponsoring a contest in connection with the Beatles Rock Band game too), but we could also use a writer and photographer to cover it as well.

Saturday, September 12 is Music Is Art...again we're sponsoring it. Robby Takac has agreed to be available for an interview (yours truly will be taking that part of it) and MyBuffalo promotions and in exchange we're going to be covering it with video, photos, and writers. Dave Marino has graciously agreed to take photos at the event, but at least another writer if not photographer would be great.

OK...if I make it through the next few weeks we'll (me and baby) will get a medal :)

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Deanna

Events 8/24/09

Please read email for more important MyBuffalo.com information.

Tuesday

Kevin Seconds: Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street, 7pm for more information visit www.townballroom.com.

Wednesday

Center Celebration: UB’s Center for the Arts will once again host our annual "Center Celebration" to kick off our new season. This free event features food from UNO Chicago Grill, Perry's Ice Cream, live entertainment, door prizes, one day only ticket discounts and more! 11am-2pm

Wednesday on the Gorge Concert Series presents Galactic: Artpark, 6:30pm

Friday

Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival: 150 world class jazz musicians, wine tasting culinary samplings, antique show, Center Street, Lewiston

My Children My Bride: 6pm, Xtreme Wheels, 356 Hertel Avenue, 6pm

St. Barnabas Lawn Fete: One of the biggest lawn fetes in WNY. Entertainment daily and nightly, large midway, games of chance, classic car show, chicken dinner etc. St. Barnabas Church, 2049 George Urban Blvd., Depew

The 28th Annual Buffalo Irish Festival: Musical guests will include Enter the Haggis, Pogey, Penny Whiskey, Blarney Bunch, Town Pants and many more throughout the weekend. Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5:00 pm-11:00pm


Shannon & Susie's Slumber Party: "Ladies" Only Slumber Party featuring Elmwood Village merchants. Music and dancing in the Grand Ballroom starting at 8:00 p.m., massages, pedicures, shopping, pj content and giveaways. Adam's Mark Buffalo, 120 Church Street, 5pm-2:00 am

UB Volleyball vs. Boston College: 7pm, Alumni Arena

Saturday

Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival: 150 world class jazz musicians, wine tasting culinary samplings, antique show, Center Street, Lewiston

The 28th Annual Buffalo Irish Festival: Musical guests will include Enter the Haggis, Pogey, Penny Whiskey, Blarney Bunch, Town Pants and many more throughout the weekend. Hamburg Fairgrounds, Noon-11pm.

Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts: Over 170 artists, four performance stages, foods from around the world and more. Elmwood, between Lafayette and West Ferry,
10am-6pm


Kruzin' for Kids: Kids Escaping Drugs is teaming up with American Harley Davidson and Milligan’s for the 1st Annual Kruzin’ for Kids. Participants will enjoy a 75/80 bike run throughout the beautiful roads of the southern tier and return to Milligan’s for a fun filled post party. Milligan's Pub 3864 Abbott Rd. Orchard Park, 11am-9pm

St. Barnabas Lawn Fete: One of the biggest lawn fetes in WNY. Entertainment daily and nightly, large midway, games of chance, classic car show, chicken dinner etc. St. Barnabas Church, 2049 George Urban Blvd., Depew

The Glimmer Twins: Rolling Stones Tribute band and national act flawlessly combines The Stones hits with their infamous on stage antics to bring the energy of a true Stones concert to your local theater! Their uncanny likeness to the real Mick Jagger and Keith Richards only enhances the experience, making the show all the more realistic. The Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda

Tom Stahl And The Dangerfields: Labatt Blue Light Gateway Harbor Concert Series,
Gateway Park, North Tonawanda, 6:00pm

Alexander Steam Show: ESP Pull - Thunder in the Sticks: Noon-9pm (Rachelle?)

Sunday

The 28th Annual Buffalo Irish Festival: Musical guests will include Enter the Haggis, Pogey, Penny Whiskey, Blarney Bunch, Town Pants and many more throughout the weekend. Hamburg Fairgrounds, Noon-9 on Sunday.

Toy Town 2009 Car & Motorcycle Show: Main Street, East Aurora, 9am-4pm

St. Barnabas Lawn Fete: One of the biggest lawn fetes in WNY. Entertainment daily and nightly, large midway, games of chance, classic car show, chicken dinner etc. St. Barnabas Church, 2049 George Urban Blvd., Depew

Cullen Center Dedication: St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute is pleased to announce that the dedication of the Cullen Center for Excellence in Science and Residence for the Brothers of the Christian Schools on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 1 p.m. on the walkway entering the new building, 845 Kenmore Avenue. 1-3:30pm

Change is in the air

One of these guys is changing job duties.

Well, things are changing. Effective pretty much immediately, I am going to start concentrating on a new role in the marketing department here at Buffalo.com. From this point forward, Deanna is exclusively going to be the main contact for MyBuffalo - if you need an event booked, or have a question about the site, or any of that sort of good thing, you will need to go through Deanna. I mean, you could email me, but I just won't respond.

Ha ha, just kidding, I would probably respond, but it would be to direct you to Deanna. She and I have worked together on various Buffalo.com projects for almost 3 years now, and it's going to be a little weird going off to do my own thing. I know she will do a great job managing everything, though, so I feel good about trying something new.

Anyhow, I wanted to say that it has been really fantastic getting to know everyone and working together on all of our events and projects. I will still be around - I definitely want to continue doing some event work and video stuff from time to time - but I am going to miss the daily contact and give-and-take with the contributors.

Thanks everyone! Wish me luck in my new endeavor, and my fondest wishes to all of you in your photography, your writing, and beyond.

Events List 8/17/09

This should have been posted two days ago...but things have been quite hectic at Buffalo.com:

The fair wraps up this weekend…special thanks to all of you who have taken photos at concerts and various fair activities since everything kicked off on Wednesday. Ben and I have made plans to take photos and video throughout this work week. We are requesting at least one photographer to help us with photos on Saturday and again on Sunday.

Here’s the plan for our “Day at Darien Lake” on Saturday, August 29. Meet Ben and I at the gate at 10:30am when the gates open to get your tickets, food vouchers, and exit passes. We’ll disperse into various directions, and then meet at the picnic pavilion area at 1pm for snacks. You can then head out or return to the park for more fun!


The Irish Festival is 8/28, 8/29, 8/30. The Buffalo News/Buffalo.com is a sponsor of this event. If you don’t plan on going to Darien Lake with us on Saturday, we could use someone to take photos at this event. If you’re also interested in taking pics on Friday or Sunday, let us know.



We’re also looking ahead to the Wing Fest, UB Backyard Barbecue, Music is Art and UB Fall Fest. They’re all scheduled between 9/5-9/13, and Buffalo.com MUST be out at all of them. Ben will be out of town on a much deserved vacation. I’ll be covering all these events solo. If you’d like to help out (photos or video), please let me know.


I’m booking events this week, let me know if you’re interested in any of the events below or if I forgot any, and as always, let us know if you have questions.



Tuesday:



Powell dedication: Gen. Colin L. Powell, former secretary of state, will deliver the keynote address at the dedication of the Town of Tonawanda Veterans Memorial. Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 1:15 pm at Walter M. Kenney Field, Brighton Road and Colvin Boulevard. Parking is available on the street and at the nearby Colvin Woods Business Park, with shuttle service to the memorial site.



Emery at XTreme Wheelz: The rock band brings their tour to WNY to support their release: In Shallow Seas We Sail, which debuted at #50 on Billboard’s Top 200 charts. 356 Hertel Avenue, 6pm



Taking Back Sunday: Punk band performs at Town Ballroom, 7pm



The Outlaws: Country-rock band performs at Art Park, 6:30pm



Wednesday:



Black 47 & Special Guests Scythian: Irish American music featured at Art Park for Wednesdays on the Gorge, Lewiston, 6:30pm



Friday:



Buffalo Niagara Thunder Rally: 3-day motorcycle event at McKinley Mall. Head to this website for full schedule



Bill Engvall: Star of Blue Collar TV and creator of “here’s your sign”, Bill Engvall is coming to Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, 8pm



Molson Canal Concert Series: Randy Bachman, Scott Celino, Alison Pipitone, Son Of The Son, Lockport



Leaves and Laughs: Western New York’s tree canopy will become a laughing matter in August as comedians take the stage at Rob’s Comedy Playhouse to help raise money for Re-Tree WNY. “Leaves & Laughs” will begin at 8:30pm and will conclude with a Chinese auction organized by Re-Tree.



Saturday:



Buffalo Niagara Thunder Rally: 3-day motorcycle event at McKinley Mall. Head to this website for full schedule



Hard Rock at the Falls Presents Rusted Root: with Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon & Matt Wertz, free outdoor concert in the redesigned Falls Street area adjacent to the café, 4pm



Sunday:



The Buffalo Sabres Street Hockeyfest returns to the streets surrounding HSBC Arena! The day-long street hockey tournament is open to boys and girls ages 5-17 and the cost is $100 per team, 9am-5pm



Buffalo Niagara Thunder Rally: 3-day motorcycle event at McKinley Mall. Head to this website for full schedule

Contacting us this week

Buffalo.com photo by Jeff Noto.

Beginning tomorrow, Deanna and I are going to be at The Erie County Fair. A lot. I pretty much plan to live there for large portions of the next two weeks.

If you need to get a hold of us, use these telephone numbers:

Ben: 244-2557
Deanna: 390-2652

You can email us, but I am not sure how regularly we will check our messages - I mean, we will answer them daily, but maybe not with the speed with which we answer them now. So calling is recommended for more pressing issues.

Hope to see some of you out there!

Our (and by extension, your) new swag

Check out our new MyBuffalo t-shirt. I do not know why I look so angry in this photo. I actually like this t-shirt a lot.



















Here's the white t-shirt. I actually like the black shirts better, yet I became a cheerful chap all of the sudden.



















And here are our new Frisbees. Nice, yes? Want to toss around the ol' Frisbee? Join us at Darien Lake on Aug. 29 (email Deanna @ drusso@buffnews.com for details) and it shall be reality.

Note: everyone in the program is entitled to t-shirts. I'll bring some out to Darien Lake and the Fair, and if you can ever stop by the building, let me know you are coming by and we will hook you up.

Events list: 8-11 to 8-16

Buffalo.com photo by Kathi Ross.

Wednesday

• The Erie County Fair (Aug. 12 – Aug. 23). Here is the deal on the Fair: Deanna and I will be out there on an almost daily basis, shooting video, blogging, Tweeting, taking photos, the whole deal. HOWEVER – you are absolutely welcome to come out and join us. Take photos, write stories, get an inside look at all of the fun stuff that happens at one of the biggest fairs in New York State.

A few things to keep in mind: 1.) you will need to sign in as a media member if you are there to take pictures or write a story. There is no wiggle room on this – you must sign in. 2.) Once you sign in, you will be assigned an escort. That’s right, you get your own escort! It’s much less obnoxious than it sounds, and you may in fact get golf cart access, as well. 3.) If you want to shoot or review a concert or other major Fair event, you need to follow the same procedure as you would with any show – book it through Deanna and me.

There are too many events for me to list in one message, so check the Web site for the big Fair doings (http://www.americas-fair.com/).

Hopefully these guidelines don’t discourage anyone – we would love to have you join us at this big-time event (there are MyBuffalo t-shirts in it for you, as well!). Let me know if/when you can get out to the Fair.

• Wednesdays at the Gorge: Gin Blossoms. Remember The Gin Blossoms? “Hey Jealousy?” “Allison Road?” “Found Out About You?” They were humungous in the 90s…check them out. 6:30 PM, Artpark, 450 4th St., Lewiston.
• Blues, Bikes, and BBQ. Join John LaMond or The Dean of Country and the Country Crew from WYRK as they shut the street down for the area's Hottest Blues, Baddest Bikes and Best BBQ. 8 PM to 11 PM, 391 Washington St., Buffalo.

Thursday

• Buffalo Bicycling Club Cobblestone Criterium Twilight Series. Watch Western New York’s premier racing cyclists battle for supremacy at this free series on a spectator friendly street circuit in the heart of Buffalo’s Cobblestone District. You invited to check out the action on Scott, Chicago, Perry and W. Market Streets. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. and the start/finish line is located on Perry Street, Buffalo.
• The Decemberists. A critically acclaimed indie band featuring singer/guitarist Colin Meloy. You’ve seen them on Conan, you’ve seen them on SNL…now see them at UB. 8 PM, UB Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo North Campus, Amherst.


Friday

• Molson Canal Concert Fest: Charlie Daniels Band. The popular country-rocker brings his classic act to the Lock City. “The South Will Rise Again!” At least that’s what Charlie told us in the ‘70s. Check him out. Gates open at 5:30 PM, Ulrich City Centre, Lockport.
• Shakesperience. Shakespearience, (Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s high school apprenticeship program) will hold a performance prior to Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s main stage performance of Julius Caesar. This year’s show is an adapted 40 minute version of Antony and Cleopata with nine area High School Students performing. 6:15 PM, Delaware Park, Buffalo.
• Buffalo Bisons: v. Lehigh Valley. Come see the Bisons – it’s not every day you get to see the team with the least wins in professional baseball! Just the days that the Bisons have home games. Anyhow, these are still fun events with good crowds, and this will be a fridaynightbash! evening, so it should be a good time. 7 PM, Coca-Cola Field, Buffalo.
• Off The Cuff CD Release Party. A celebration of the latest release from the acoustic, Dave Matthews-inspired local jam band. These guys have been really asking for coverage and it would be great to get a photographer and/or a writer out to their show. Should be a good time with great music (and you’ll get a free CD out of it, too). 9:30 PM, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Buffalo.

Saturday

• Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Scottish and Celtic music, bagpipe bands, sheep herding demos (oh you read that right), highland athletics, and much more. 9 AM to 5 PM, Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst.
• Caribbean Islands Festival. It’s a celebration, mon! OK, that was corny. But this will be a great event with a parade, traditional costumes, bands, vendors, and a lot of island flavor. 11 AM to 10 PM, LaSalle Park, Buffalo.
• Takin’ It To The Streets. "Takin' It To The Streets," a popular, inspiring community rally featuring health and job information, food and clothing giveaways, dancing and musical performances, activities for the kids including Bubblefest from the Buffalo Museum of Science, as well as a host of other community-enriching activities, "Takin' It To The Streets" is one of the East Side's largest and longest running events. 11 AM to 9 PM, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Best Street, Buffalo.
• Loretta Lynn. She’s the queen of country! Loretta Lynn had a string of country hits in the 60s and 70s and she is still considered one of the iconic Americans of the 20th century – she’s the coal miner’s daughter, for crying out loud. A great chance to see a legend perform. 7 PM, Seneca Allegany Casino, Salamanca.

Sunday

• Takin’ It To The Streets. "Takin' It To The Streets," a popular, inspiring community rally featuring health and job information, food and clothing giveaways, dancing and musical performances, activities for the kids including Bubblefest from the Buffalo Museum of Science, as well as a host of other community-enriching activities, "Takin' It To The Streets" is one of the East Side's largest and longest running events. 11 AM to 9 PM, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Best Street, Buffalo.
• Caribbean Islands Festival. It’s a celebration, mon! OK, that was corny. But this will be a great event with a parade, traditional costumes, bands, vendors, and a lot of island flavor. 11 AM to 10 PM, LaSalle Park, Buffalo.
• Queen City Roller Girls Boot Camp. Yeah, the Bills are in training camp – so are the fierce skaters of the QCRC. Pay a visit to Boot Camp and see who makes the cut and who gets bounced out on their…roller skates. 11:30 AM, Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda.
• South Park Italian Festival. When you think South Buffalo, you probably think of the Irish first, but this Sunday, the South Buffalo Italian Festival Committee will hold their annual celebration of Italian culture to help beautify South Park. 2 PM to 8 PM, South Park Lake, South Park, Buffalo.
• Local Rock Showcase. All of your local favorites, including such bands as First Step Fall, Fighting For first, I Am Fiction, Rescue Dawn, AKS, City Of Kings, Brierhurst, Holotype. 3 PM, Club Infinity, 8166 Main St., Clarence.
• Carly’s Crossing. Carly's Crossing is a unique open-water swim event featuring timed and non-competitive courses for swimmers of all ages and experience levels, plus a family-friendly party on the beach! Swimmers choose from a one-mile timed or non-competitive course or a 600-yard non-competitive course and raise pledges in support of Carly's Club at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. 3 PM, Gallagher Beach in the Lake Erie Small Boat Harbor (1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard), Buffalo.
• Queen City Roller Girls: “Booty Block” – v. Montreal. The QCRC all-stars take on their high-flying guests from Montreal. Mayhem will ensue. 5:30 PM, Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda.

Slow day online, literally

Hey, Twitter is the victim of a DoS attack right now, which is slowing down Facebook, and in turn is slowing down other sites, as well...so if your Internet is slow today, that might be why. We didn't do it, I swear!

Fair's Coming Up!

Hey all,

Fried dough...the midway with carnies yelling at you as you walk by...and sheep...cows...horses...country music shows. It's time for the Erie County Fair, and Buffalo.com and MyBuffalo.com plan to cover it EXTENSIVELY.

Ben and I will be at the Fair nearly every day...which means that we will A. not be available if you call our work phones, so use our cells and B. email contact will also be limited. We do plan to check our email every day, but you may not be getting an instantaneous response.

It's not just going to be us at the Fair...after all we don't like seeing ourselves on camera (or at least I don't)...so we've invited some of our contributors to join us!

Our bloggers - Mittons, Fluxystar, Tsuj10, Lena the Intern, and Schumeea are all going to be taking part in video segments surrounding stuff like food, the midway, the demoliton derby, and farm animals. Gabrielle, our photographer turned video personality will also be at the fair at a few concerts and enjoying the various personalities. It will be fun.

Ben will be snapping photos and I'll be blogging most days...some of our photographers will also be joining us at the concerts - like Montgomery Gentry, Brooks & Dunn, and George Thorogood.

If you'd like to join us at the fair and you have a game plan as far as certain events that you'd like to take photos at, please let us know.

Thanks to all and we're looking forward to some fun at the fair!

Deanna

P.S. On a personal note, I will be taking a brief break from the fair to ensure the Crusade Against Impaired Driving Softball Tournament and Fundraiser is a success on Saturday, August 15 at Sunshine Park in West Seneca. Action begins at 8am, there will be tons of softball games, a basket raffle, silent auction, bounce house for the kids...and an unbelieveable amount of fun. I'd appreciate all your support. Check out karenscrusade.org for all the information. Thank you!

Events 8/3/09

Events 8/3/09

Tuesday

Taste of Williamsville: 24 restaurants, live music lunch and dinner, kids rides, pie baking contest, Island Park, Williamsville 11:30am-9pm

National Night Out: Many local community groups will be hosting events tonight. The largest we could find is at the Southgate Plaza in West Seneca. Local community groups including EMTS, firefighters, local police officers, and more will take part, Union Road & Seneca Street, West Seneca, 5-9pm

Bowzer’s Rock N’ Roll Party: Event features Bowzer & the Stingrays with special guest John Stevens, proceeds to benefit the 48th Annual Variety Kids Telethon, Center For The Arts, University at Buffalo, 7:30pm

The Grass Roots: 60s band reunites, Grandstand, Fairgrounds Gaming & Raceway, Hamburg 7:30pm


Wednesday

Ingrid Michaelson: Star 102.5 presents an intimate acoustic show, Sonoma Grille, 6pm

Railroad Earth: As part of the Wednesdays on the Gorge free concert series, Artpark, Lewiston, 6:30pm

Niagara County Fair: Traditional fair experience. Family entertainment including magicians, face painters and even stilt walkers and fire eaters! Niagara County Fairgrounds Lake Ave, Lockport, all day, click here for a schedule

Purgatory Kings w/Kinda Like Dreaming and Type Relevant, Mohawk Place, 8pm

Thursday

Eden Corn Festival: One of my favorite events of the summer: free admission, midway food, entertainment, contests, beer tent, Parade Sunday and don’t forget - CORN, American Legion Grounds, Eden, 5-11pm click here for a schedule

Paul Newman Film Festival, Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda 7pm (first of 4 screenings)

Niagara County Fair: Traditional fair experience, a laser light show tonight. Family entertainment including magicians, face painters and even stilt walkers and fire eaters! Niagara County Fairgrounds Lake Ave, Lockport, click here for a schedule


Friday

Eden Corn Festival: One of my favorite events of the summer: free admission, midway food, entertainment, contests, beer tent, Parade Sunday and don’t forget - CORN, American Legion Grounds, Eden, Noon-Midnight, click here for a schedule

Hot Summer Night in the Southtowns: Boys of summer and Elvis perform, fireworks, food, childrens activities, and more at the Southgate Plaza, West Seneca, 6pm-9pm

Niagara County Fair: Traditional fair experience, a laser light show tonight. Family entertainment including magicians, face painters and even stilt walkers and fire eaters! Niagara County Fairgrounds Lake Ave, Lockport, click here for a schedule

Tab Benoit: With all the makings of an American music icon, Tab Benoit has become one of the premiere roots stylists of the century. Lafayette Tap Room, 8pm

Rock the Riv: A Benefit Event featuring Cute Is What We Aim For with special guest Inlite, all proceeds benefit the Riviera Theatre, 7:30pm


Saturday

Celebrity 5K Run/Walk: Proceeds to benefit The Buffalo Broadcasters Association and The Homeless Veterans of WNY, WNED, 159 Lower Terrace, 9am

43rd Annual Lewiston Art Festival: Lewiston’s signature event features work by more than 170 exceptional artists in a wide range of fine art and artistic craft media. Center Street, 10am-6 pm

Eden Corn Festival: One of my favorite events of the summer: free admission, midway food, entertainment, contests, beer tent, Parade Sunday and don’t forget - CORN, American Legion Grounds, Eden, 11am-Midnight, click here for a schedule

Buffalo Scavenger Hunt: Started as a friendly gathering, the Buffalo Scavenger Hunt has turned into the most fun you can have on a summer afternoon in Buffalo. Elmwood Avenue area, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Niagara County Fair: Traditional fair experience. Family entertainment including magicians, face painters and even stilt walkers and fire eaters! Niagara County Fairgrounds Lake Ave, Lockport, click here for a schedule

Sip and Shop – Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs Fundraiser : Join the Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs in sampling and sales of New York State wines, snacks, farmers market, music, local vendors, auction and much more. Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr., Buffalo, 1-5pm


Sunday

43rd Annual Lewiston Art Festival: Lewiston’s signature event features work by more
than 170 exceptional artists in a wide range of fine art and artistic craft media. Center Street, 10am - 5pm

Eden Corn Festival: One of my favorite events of the summer: free admission, midway food, entertainment, contests, beer tent, Parade Sunday and don’t forget - CORN, American Legion Grounds, Eden, 11am-10pm, click here for a schedule

“Rev Up With the Red Cross”: 2nd Annual American Red Cross Run. The ride starts at American Harley-Davidson, 1149 Erie Avenue, North Tonawanda, NY 15120 with ongoing registration and departure between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. The after party’s scheduled to take place at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Depew featuring food & beverage, vendors, split drawing, door prizes, a basket auction and live music.

Niagara County Fair: Traditional fair experience. Family entertainment including magicians, face painters and even stilt walkers and fire eaters! Niagara County Fairgrounds Lake Ave, Lockport, click here for a schedule

CKY with special guests...Graveyard, ASG and Fall From Grace at Xtreme Wheels: 356 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 6pm

Helpful tip on adding titles to photos

Buffalo.com photo by Bill Parker.

We've been kind of harping on the importance of adding titles to photos at MyBuffalo.com - it's a lot easier to find a photo if it's titled "Elks Club Street Dance" rather than "DSC445589.jpg" - and Darleen came up with a quick-and-easy way to do this if you're not crazy about cutting and pasting from a Notepad file as you upload your five photos at a time (sigh).

Here's her method:

If you open your images in batch process in Photoshop, you should get about however many to process at once.

Then, when you go to save, you get a different screen called Save options on that screen. The middle section shows File naming. There are 4 different boxes that you can string together if desired.

This is the process I used for my Glenn Colton images. I typed Glenn Colton in the first box then the second box chose 2 digit auto numbering, then let her run.

Yes, it doesn't look as neat and tidy as naming each one seperately because you get the .jpg at the end - however it's a whole lote better than img290.jpg.

NOTE: They will have to change their choices next time they save images as a batch again otherwise it will just continue with that numbering system. For example I didn't know that and my original titles for my macro flowers was glenn colton08. Strange name for a Black-eyed Susy.

Thanks, Darleen!