BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....A collaboratively-created event, spearheaded by M&T Bank, could help Mayor Sean Ryan fulfill his vision of restoring downtown Buffalo's swagger - not only with corporate interests but also with the general public.
M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) has created a six-pack of events, dubbed "Meet Me Downtown" that's designed to not only attract downtown office workers but also people from the suburbs, other counties and, even, outside of the 716 area code.
"Having an active downtown makes the entire community stronger," said Tracy Woodrow, M&T chief administrative officer and WNY regional president.
The events begin July 11 with a Chippewa Street dance party called "Home by 10," because the event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"This gives adults somewhere to go and something to do," says Chris Ring, Chippewa Alliance president.
Ring said he expects more than 2,000 tickets will be sold for the July 11 event and another 2,000 tickets sold for an Aug. 8 similar themed-event.
Other events include:
* A July 18 World Cup Watch Party and Street Soccer Cup - also on Chippewa Street.
The soccer cup is designed for anyone 10 years of age or older.
* An all day pickleball tournament, set for Aug. 16, at Buffalo RiverWorks on Ganson Street.
* The Main Block Party, set for Aug. 29 at Fountain Plaza, that focuses on fashion, food and culture.
* As a follow-up to last year's Circle the Square, Circle the Square 2 is planned for Sept. 26 in Niagara Square where people can ride 150 laps around Niagara Square on bikes, scooters, rollerblades and anything that is not motorized.
"The common goal in all this is to help downtown move forward," Ryan said. "This is a totally synergistic effort."
Collaborators include the County of Erie, Visit Buffalo and Buffalo Place.
"More action in downtown is better, be it on Chippewa Street or Ellicott Street," Ring said.
