Family Spring Festival Hits Grant & West Ferry

Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side Times

May 2000: Some positive excitement filled the area around Grant and Ferry over the weekend. The Family Spring Festival brought a lot of people out despite the sometimes inclement weather. The spring carnival was situated just east of Grant Street on West Ferry in the large parking lot there. It was made possible through the efforts of the West Side Business and Taxpayers Association. 

John Frieday manned the ring toss booth next to the paratrooper on Friday, May 12th at the Family Spring Festival on West Ferry Street near Grant Street. photo: Eric Ortner

The Association's efforts did not go unnoticed. People generally enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, especially the kids. Nicholas Sommerville was a youngster who found the event to his tastes. "It's very great and I go on lots of rides with my stamp and tickets," he said. This was after Nicholas was anxiously trying to get his father to buy him some more tickets. 

The adults at the event were, for the most part, equally pleased with the festivities. Duane Murphy was very excited about the festival because he had just won a chameleon from one of the twelve games of chance. Mr. Murphy said, "So far my experience is great. I came Friday and I came back today (Sunday). The community needs it . I'm 100% for something like this. We need positive things like this in the community."

The exciting rides included a carousel, a giant slide, flying chairs, a miniature roller coaster, and train. Perhaps the most popular thrill ride was the Paratrooper. There always seemed to be a long line of eager West Siders waiting for their chance to fly through the air. 

The great times began on Friday, and it appeared to be something of a teen night. A lot of the people in attendance seemed to be young adults. The flashing lights and steamy humid weather made for a surreal atmosphere. The weather on Saturday and Sunday was not quite as pleasant, though. Saturday's rain and Sunday's chilly temperatures kept a lot of people away.
Joe Tomasulo, president of the West Side Business and Taxpayers' Association said, "Unfortunately the weather bombed them out. The people that did turn out were excited because there were some new rides from Fun City Shows. We look forward to working with anybody who would like to address quality of life issues like providing the families of the West Side with entertainment or some means of public enjoyment. Having the carnival is not a big money maker. We are just happy to bring some fun into the community." 

There were no major criminal incidents throughout the weekend long event. This is partly due to the vigilant efforts of the Buffalo Police Department. The officers patrolling the event were more than willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. 

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