PanAm Celebration Will Start With First Night
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo Rocket / West Side TimesMay 2000: The centennial celebration of the Pan American Exposition is beginning to become a reality. The year 2001 will start right out commemorating this significant event in Buffalo's past. That's because much of the First Night Buffalo celebration this year will take place in the city's Museum District.
Mayor Anthony Masiello made this important announcement on Thursday, April 27 at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. This was a fitting location because the neoclassical building that houses the Historical Society is the only structure which remains from the Pan American Exposition.
The Mayor commented, "When we usher in the Pan-American Exposition, we'll be doing it in a place that I think is second to none."
The Museum District includes the area around Delaware Park. First Night 2001 will be housed in structures such as the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, the Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo State College and the Marcy Casino on Hoyt Lake.
Independent Health Foundation is sponsoring First Night Buffalo. Joanne D. Way, Executive Director of Independent Health is pleased with the move. She said, "The Independent Health Foundation, along with the mayor's office, is excited about bringing this event to a new and different part of the city to show support for the entire City of Buffalo." Ms. Way continued, "I believe that it is time to start a new beginning for First Night Buffalo, like the celebration of the anniversary of the Pan American Exposition to move into the future."
The University of Buffalo is also actively involved in the planning of this year's festivities. The Arts and Sciences department at UB has been busy collaborating on some of the events. Michele Gallant who is Senior Staff Assistant for Special Projects for the college was on hand at Thursday's conference. She said, "I think it's a great opportunity for Buffalo to come together with all the different groups."
Ms. Gallant also mentioned that UB hosts a web site at http://www.panam2001.buffalo.edu that details all the planned events of the Pan-American Exposition. You can link your group's site there or just catch up on Pan-Am news.
Some of the possible plans for First Night Buffalo include a laser light show, museum tours and maybe some fireworks. The events will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in the museum district.
As the year 2001 quickly approaches, it will be interesting to see how Buffalo celebrates this important part of its heritage. There certainly is potential for a lot of national attention to the 100th anniversary of the assassination of President McKinley.
