The Gorgeous Niagara Gorge [by 2chicks2go]

November 2, 2015 By Christopher Stoianoff 2 Comments

[From 2chicks2g0.blogspot.com]

Hello, friends, it’s Autumn in Niagara. The leaves have reached their peak in beauty, and we’d love to share them with you! We start our autumnal journey at the stairs that lead down to the gorge, by Devil’s Hole Park. Currently it’s a bit of a treacherous walk, but they have plans to fix them in the near future. (Notice that we hop up and down the gorge a few times, based on the order of our photos!)

READ THE FULL BLOG POST HERE: https://2chicks2go.wordpress.com/2015/11/02/the-gorgeous-niagara-gorge/

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Local News, Visiting?

11th Annual Niagara Electric Light Parade – November 7th, 5:30pm

October 28, 2015 By Christopher Stoianoff 1 Comment

^{DEADLINE FOR NIAGARA ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 2, 2015. APPLICATIONS ARE ONLINE AT: TNBPA.COM, TOWN OF NIAGARA TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.}

Bob Koshinski to be Master of Ceremonies for this year’s 11^th Annual ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE in the Town of Niagara which will begin at 5:30 pm on Saturday, November 7^th.

A major highlight of the ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE is the appearance of Santa Claus who will be on hand to greet the crowd.

A Food Drive will also be part of this year’s NIAGARA ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE. Volunteers will gather non-perishable food donations from parade spectators for local soup kitchens. If participants wish, Parade organizers encourage donations the food to their Church Food Pantries and let them know it is on behalf of the Niagara Electric Lights Parade.

The major sponsor for the parade is Republic Services (Allied Waste Industries of Niagara Falls, NY). Allied Waste owns and operates the Niagara Falls Sanitary Landfill, located at the intersection of 56^th Street and Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Last year’s ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE drew several thousand spectators, along with the hundreds who were part of the bands, floats and community groups which took part.

The ELECTRIC LIGHTS PARADE is organized and presented by the Town of Niagara, the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association, Inc.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured Stories, Local News, Organization Announcements and Events, Visiting?

Niagara Now/What to Do for July 15 – 23, 2015 [From NTCC]

July 16, 2015 By Christopher Stoianoff Leave a Comment

Click the link for the Niagara Now/What to Do for July 15 – 23, 2015: What To Do!

Visit the blog for all the information you need to know about whats-goin-on around Niagara!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Local News, Niagara Events, Niagara Now, Visiting?

New York Power Authority Finds New Home for Old Stone Chimney

January 13, 2015 By Christopher Stoianoff 5 Comments

Chimney Move Chimney PJP_5062.jpg

[NYPA Press Release]

A monument to the Niagara River portage will soon be relocated to a new, more prominent home by the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

The Old Stone Chimney, a surviving relic of the French and Indian War and the War of 1812, currently sits nearly hidden on NYPA property behind the former Porter Park on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls, adjacent to the Robert Moses Parkway and its exit ramp to the city.

The chimney will be relocated to NYPA land across the parkway and closer to the Niagara River. This more accessible venue will allow the chimney to serve as a featured component in developing heritage tourism efforts. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“NYPA is happy to support the growing public interest in local heritage tourism as symbolized by this architectural artifact and its relevance to the region’s rich history,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “Along with our Niagara Power Vista visitors center, we are pleased to help provide another reason for tourists to come to Niagara Falls.”

As part of the relocation effort, NYPA will install a new foundation and reassemble the Old Stone Chimney. To improve public access to the site, NYPA will also provide a small parking area.

“NYPA’s support provides the city with the best opportunity to showcase the chimney,” Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said. “In addition, it is our intention to use NYPA Greenway funding to position the chimney site to serve as a gateway to Niagara Falls State Park, the Niagara River’s existing hiking and biking trails and to other tourism and recreation sites currently in development.”

The chimney was originally part of the French barracks just outside the Fort du Portage and was used for cooking and heating in the 1700s. When the British invaded, the French abandoned and burned down the fort, but the chimney survived. It then became part of the home of General Peter A. Porter in the 1840s.

Since the current and proposed locations for the chimney are within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) boundary for the Niagara Power Project, the relocation project is subject to review under NYPA’s Historic Properties Management Plan agreed to with FERC during the Project’s relicensing. The New York State Historic Preservation Office will monitor the project, and a number of interested agencies and preservation groups are providing guidance, including the Niagara Falls Planning Department, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Commission and the Niagara Portage Old Guard.

QUOTES BY OTHERS:

“I appreciate NYPA’s support for yet another effort to expand public access to Western New York waterways,” Congressman Brian Higgins said. “By continuing to improve infrastructure and give people more reasons and opportunity to get closer to the water’s edge we can continue the transformational changes taking place.”

“We have so much of our heritage in Niagara County to be proud of. The relocation of the chimney enhances the entranceways to the city and the state park while boosting the developing heritage trail,” Assemblyman John Ceretto said. “It creates another interesting stopping point for visitors exploring the history of our region and our country on their way to Fort Niagara and other attractions.”

Our region is full of compelling stories and I applaud the efforts underway to allow more tourists to experience a relic of the 1700’s and our area’s historical role in the development of our nation,” said Senator Robert Ortt.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Historical Information, Local News, Visiting?

Shakespeare Comes to Old Falls Street – Aug. 31

August 26, 2014 By Christopher Stoianoff Leave a Comment

Free Event Features Thespians from Delaware Park in Buffalo

Niagara Falls, NY (Aug. 25, 2014) – A live performance of “E Tu Shakespeare?” will be presented on Old Falls Street’s Middle Block, on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, beginning at 5 p.m. The play will be performed by the Shakespeare in Delaware Park Players of Buffalo and is free and open to the public. Funded by Old Falls Street, USA, the event was made possible through a collaboration with “Live NF,” the comprehensive program which helps people discover, rediscover and celebrate living in the City of Niagara Falls, NY.

“Old Falls Street is happy to provide free programming and perhaps new experiences for both residents and visitors alike,” said Global Spectrum’s Ryan Coate, Old Falls Street’s general manager. “This first-time event helps round-out an already busy summer season for us and we hope it attracts old friends and new guests that haven’t experienced the renaissance in our Downtown Niagara Falls area.”

Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs as limited seating will be available. Food and beverage concessions will be available for purchase.

In addition to this live performance, Old Falls Street is wrapping up most of its summer programming this week with the following:

· Fitness on Old Falls – Tuesday, Aug. 26 (Run Club at 6 p.m.) / Wednesday, Aug. 27 (Yoga at 5 p.m.) / Thursday, Aug. 28 (Zumba at 6 p.m.) – All on the Middle Block

· Old Falls Street Kids’ Club – Wednesday, Aug. 27 / Friday, Aug. 29 / Saturday, Aug. 30 – All on the Middle Block at 12 noon and 1 p.m.

· Flicks on Old Falls – Final movie of the 2014 series – Ratatouille – Thursday, Aug. 28 at 9 p.m.

Old Falls Street’s free activites that will stretch into September include the following:

· Cooking Demonstration with Chef Bobby – Thursdays, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, 12 noon on the Middle Block

· TGIFridays on Old Falls Concert Series – Friday evenings at 7 p.m. on the Conference Center Block – Aug. 29 with KISS This (A Tribute to Kiss), Sept. 5 with Aircraft and Mr. Boneless, and Sept. 19 with West of the Mark

· Niagara Falls Bike Rentals, located on the Park Block, will extend through October

Other upcoming special events with free admission include:

· 7^th Annual Niagara Falls Blues Festival – Sept. 11-14, 2014

· 5^th Annual Old Falls Street Oktoberfest – Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1 to 8 p.m.

For more information on any of Old Falls Street’s events, visit www.FallsStreet.com or by following Old Falls Street, USA on Facebook and Twitter.

About OLD FALLS STREET, USA: Old Falls Street, USA, managed by Global Spectrum, is a historic three-block destination that conveniently connects the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park with the Conference & Event Center, the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and other Downtown Niagara Falls, NY attractions. Serving as the “Welcome Center” for residents and visitors alike, the dynamic thoroughfare provides spaces for daily vending and special activities including concerts, festivals and holiday activities. Additional information can be found on their website at www.FallsStreet.com.

Filed Under: Local News, Music & Arts, Niagara Events, Visiting?

Oakwood Cemetery to Host Two “Bird Walks”

April 15, 2014 By Christopher Stoianoff Leave a Comment

For the first time, the historic Oakwood Cemetery, located at 763 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY, will host two Bird Walks.

The Bird Walks are scheduled for consecutive Saturdays at 8 AM: April 26 and May 3, 2014. Participants should gather at the Oakwood Cemetery office by 7:45 AM with binoculars, if possible. Each attendee will receive a free, annotated checklist: Birds of the Niagara River Region of Western New York.

The “Walk” through the cemetery will take approximately 60 – 90 minutes. It is free and open to the public. Free parking is also available. No prior registration is required.

The Oakwood Cemetery Bird Walk will be led by Whitney Mallam, a lifelong birder and president of the Oakwood Cemetery Association.

Oakwood Cemetery has 378 trees and bushes and is a known habitat for the Spring migration of birds along the Atlantic Flyway.

For more information, please go to the Oakwood Cemetery Website:

www.myoakwoodcemetery.com.

Niagara’s History is at Oakwood.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Organization Announcements and Events, Visiting?

Photoblog: Frozen Niagara… A once in a lifetime opportunity? [by 2chicks2go]

March 13, 2014 By Christopher Stoianoff Leave a Comment

[From http://2chicks2go.wordpress.com/]

As we all know, the Polar Vortex visited the North East this winter, and decided to stay. We in Niagara Falls are used to cold and snowy winters, even more so is our well-known neighbor, Buffalo. (Remember the Blizzard of 1977?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHdnpVDEE8o

While the Falls were not completely frozen, (as many people on the internet were claiming) they were quite close to freezing at one point. We picked a “warmer” sunny day to take these photos to share with you.

If you’re interested, here are some real facts about the how’s and when’s of frozen Niagara.

http://www.niagarafallslive.com/facts_about_niagara_falls.htm

The pictures are mainly of the American Falls, taken from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we did taking them.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE AMAZING PHOTOS!

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Visiting?

Aquarium of Niagara: 23rd Annual Penguin Days celebration

March 10, 2014 By Christopher Stoianoff Leave a Comment

6th Annual Penguin Days Amateur Photo Contest

The Aquarium of Niagara is celebrating the 23rd Annual Penguin Days March with a penguin photography contest. This year one grand winner will be chosen from all entries. In addition, a first and second place winner will be selected in two age categories: adult: (12 and older) and child (11 and under). Each entrant may submit between one and five photographs of the Niagara Aquarium’s own prize penguins or photos taken of other penguins elsewhere. To take photos of the penguins at the Aquarium of Niagara, one only has to come, pay admission and take as many pictures as desired.

The grand prize winner will receive a penguin encounter; first and second prize winners will receive an 8” x 10” unframed penguin art piece from the Aquarium. Each winner will also receive an award certificate, and media recognition. Photographs will be displayed at our annual Penguin Days Celebration on March 29-30, 2014.

All submissions must have the entrant’s name on the back of the photo with location and title. Both electronic and hard copy submissions will be accepted-though electronic submission is preferred. Images must be no smaller than 5” x 7” and no larger than 8” x 10”. Digital images should be 300 or more dpi. Mail photographs and required entry form to the Aquarium of Niagara, Exhibits Department, 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, N. Y., 14301 by March 21, 2014. Photographs will be displayed at the Aquarium’s annual Penguin Days Celebration on March 29-30. For more information, contact the Exhibits Department at 285-3575, ext. 211, or email at mpaterson@aquariumofniagara.org.

Make a “Green” penguin with the Aquarium of Niagara!

The aquarium of Niagara is hosting its first annual Penguin sculpture contest. Artists of all ages and skills are welcome to participate.

The sculptures should be made with recyclable materials and can be brought to the aquarium by March 22^nd which is the week prior to the event. Artistic adults and children are encouraged to be as creative and imaginative as possible.

All sculptures will be displayed at the Aquarium of Niagara’s annual event Penguins Days on March 29^th and 30^th. Winners will be selected that weekend and will receive an Aquarium Membership.

All participants must register their sculptures by filling out an entry form. You can obtain an entry form by calling 716-285-3575 ext. 206 or emailing membership@aquariumofniagara.org

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Niagara Events, Visiting?

Rapids Theatre presents “The Greenroom” with Lindsay Pasquantino and Marc Violino

March 5, 2014 By Christopher Stoianoff 1 Comment

The beautiful and awesome Rapids Theatre is proud to introduce a brand new show to help keep you informed of all the cool stuff going on under their dome sweet dome…

Your hosts, Lindsay Pasquantino and Marc Violino will be sharing all the details of upcoming events, concerts and general happenings going on at the Rapids with their new show, The Greenroom. Set in their actual “greenroom” (where artists get ready to go on stage), this monthly program will help you stay in tune with all of the groovy stuff happening at 1711 Main Street in the heart of Niagara Falls, USA. The Rapids Theatre has so much cool stuff going on, they had to make a show about it!

Watch the premiere episode of The Greenroom here: