BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....For once, the advance weather reports leading up to this weekend were spot on and accurate.
An ominous forecast was issued for this past Sunday including reports of heavy rain, lightning and thunder.
That was enough for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and the planning team behind the county's America 250 celebration - set for Sunday at Canalside - to decide to postpone the event until Labor Day weekend.
"We looked at the weather reports and made the call," Poloncarz said.
It turned out to be the right call.
Sunday's weather came as advertised with flooding and reports of tornados added into the mix.
So now, the county's America 250 celebration has been shifted to Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 at Canalside.
Ironically, it is also a key date in American history, noted Poloncarz a history buff himself.
That's the date - Sept. 5, 1774 of the first meeting of the U.S. Congressional Congress and the first time George Washington and John Adams met.
"Kinda of an interesting side point," Poloncarz said.
Still, the event may also help bring more people into downton and Canalside - almost a side benefit at a time when officials are pulling out all stops to attract more people into the central business district.
"Festivals help attract people," Poloncarz said.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said an ominous weather focus prompted the shift.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said an ominous weather focus prompted the shift.
