Kicking off the city's various summer-long waterfront celebrations is the uniquely Buffalo event Boom Days (April 15-17, 2010). By now we all know what the ice boom is (here's an interesting discussion), but have we all experienced, first hand, this event that marks the arrival of spring? Since this is a relatively new event for Buffalo, I thought that I would share some of the highlights. Most people are not aware that kick-off occurs the Thursday (April 15) before the celebration. That's when organizers and officials from both sides of the river head to the top of the Peace Bridge in order to throw a large red ball off the edge and down below into the Niagara River. 

On Saturday at 9am, Riverkeeper hosts a waterfront cleanup to make sure that the waterfront is ship shape for visitors. Following the clean-up, revelers meet up from 6:30-9:30pm at the Naval Park where food drinks and live music are scheduled to ensue. To preempt any confusion, the venue for the celebration is the structure referred to as 'The Red Barn' situated next to the Naval Museum. This year, guests will be able to enjoy local wines and beer, along with a poetry contest and fireworks. 

*Tickets are $25 presale (by 4/9) and $30 after 4/9 and at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here or call (716) 852-7483. Graphic images provided by the Boom Days website thanks to Mark Donnelly.