BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Street festivals mean a lot to Buffalo.
A whole lot.
To Mayor Sean Ryan, they help activate streets - especially the collection of diverse festivals held in downtown.
."Festivals play a big part in how we get our vibe back," Ryan said.
With the so-called festival season kicking off with the annual Greek Fest - that runs from June 5 to 7 on Delaware Avenue - Ryan is putting a renewed emphasis on using street festivals to help Buffalo regain its lost mojo that's still slow to recover in the post-Covid wprld.
"We want more,": Ryan said.
While there are longtime standards like the Allentown Art Festival, the Italian Festival or Juneteenth, Buffalo will be welcoming a new series of special events along a stretch of Ellicott Street - now branded as the Electric District.
Events include a Friday night concert servies, Sunday afternoon jazz shows, bocce and pickleball tournaments and leagues and a large TV screen that will show key sporting events.
But, the Electric District events don't end at Labor Day.
Planners have scheduled an Oktoberfest during October's weekends and a season European-styled outdoor holiday market starting on Black friday.
"This is all about getting more people downtown," said developer Rocco Termini, who is spearheading the Electric District events.
Ryan said bringing people to Buffalo for weekend festivals is key but he also wants more weeknight special events and have them run after traditional business hours.
"It would be great to say 'after work, let's play bocce in downtown," Ryan said.
For businesses with the footprint of a festival, large numbers of visitors can be a huge help.
"It can make a big difference," said Sam Mirabello, who owns the House of Charm on Washington Street and will soon be re-opening the Mohawk Place.
