Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The first weekend of summer marks a new festival in Western New York.
"Cotterfest," a celebration of Buffalo's fireboat, the Edward M. Cotter, is set for
Sunday June 25 from 1pm - 5pm at Buffalo Riverworks, 359 Ganson Street.
"The Cotter is like other city owned, public-private institutions, such
as Shea's Theater, Museum of Science and the Naval Park," said Larry Cobado, President of the Cotter Conservancy.
"The Cotter needs restoration and preservation. The Conservancy was formed to raise funds for that purpose."
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Cobado said the fireboat, which is the oldest working fireboat in the world,
was almost sold in the 1990's after the city decided it was not going to put more money into the boat. The Conservancy has made sure that it's on firm footing now.
At 123 years old, the Cotter is still a working fireboat. It recently was used to put out a fire in May of this year near Gallagher Beach. The Cotter also makes regular trips to the Round House on Lake Erie to perform maintenance with Buffalo water and Veolia Water. It's primary role is for ice breaking on the Buffalo River to prevent ice jam flooding.
"We're trying to restore the boat to its original glory. Our goal is 6 million dollars. We're trying to reach that by 2025, in time for the 125th anniversary of the Cotter," noted Cobado.
"Cotterfest" is a music festival on Sunday from 1pm - 5pm at Riverworks featuring South City Band, and the Greater Firefighters Fifes and Drum band.
A $30 pre-sale ticket includes a Buffalo platter; pizza, wings, beef on weck,
draft beer, wine and soda. Tickets are $35 at the door. Click HERE for tickets.
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