Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As New Year's Eve arrives Sunday, there are several events, both indoors and out, you can check out to celebrate the start of 2024.
After a one year break, Statler Buffalo welcomes back New Year's revelers with a Centennial bash. "It is 100 years since the Statler has been built," Alex Shean tells WBEN. "We just reopened with Douglas development. So we're celebrating 100 years by having a centennial New Year's Eve Ball."
Shean says there will be hors d'oeuvres, open bar, live music and a champagne toast at midnight. There will also be free parking at the Turner ramp and shuttles throughout the evening. She says she's particularly excited. "I've worked here since 2016, so I've done Ice Balls in the past and now we have the Centennial Ball to celebrate 100 years. So we're just really excited to have the building back open," adds Shean.
For the 36th straight year, Buffalo will host the outdoor ball drop at Iskalo Tower. Mayor Byron Brown says he's thrilled the weather will, for the most part, cooperate Sunday. "I'm thankful for the mild weather we're having," says Brown. He adds the city has had positive momentum in 2023 and wants to continue into 2024.
Parking is free at the Fernbach and Mohawk ramps, and proceeds go toward the Buffalo Police Athletic League.
If you have little ones to stay home with, First Night Buffalo may be just your speed. Carrie Meyer with the Independent Health Foundation says it remains a virtual event, something done since the pandemic. "It's a way for families to celebrate right in the comfort of their own home, and if they have young children or grandchildren, and they want to celebrate and party and watch the show, they can watch it at any time on New Year's Eve," says Meyer.
Meyer says local entertainers will be part of the show. "When we hosted it downtown at the Convention Center, we would have Jeff Musial the animal guy, we would have a puppet show, we would have arts and crafts, we would have superheroes, we would have learn to dance, learn how to sing, we'd have a dance party, we bundled that all into a two hour show," says Meyer.
Oishei Children's Hospital is the presenting sponsor, allowing for the show to be free online. But for $25, you can go to Tops to get a special party pack that will teach you how to do a balloon drop at home.
Meyer says the virtual event served 20,000 people, where First Night could only hold 5,000 at the Convention Center.
