Erie Canal Harbor to Host Buffalo “Navy Week”: The City of Buffalo, in conjunction with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Buffalo Place Inc., announced that Erie Canal Harbor's Central Wharf will host “Buffalo Navy Week,” a celebration of the U.S. Navy's capabilities and commitment to America, featuring various interactive exhibits, concerts, Navy patrol vessels and simulators. Also scheduled are special guest appearances by top Navy officials including Buffalo native Rear Admiral Mike Lyden.

“I can't think of a better way to celebrate the rebirth of Buffalo's waterfront than to host Navy Week this summer,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “Thanks to efforts of the Navy Office of Community Outreach, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Buffalo Place Inc., residents of Buffalo and visitors from around the region will come to the city's reborn Central Wharf area of the Inner Harbor to celebrate the incredible service the men and women of the United States Navy provide to our nation. The City of Buffalo is proud to support this incredibly exciting activity.”

“Buffalo Navy Week” sets sail on Sunday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. with an “underway celebration” that will include a color guard, remarks from Mayor Brown and Erie County Executive Chris Collins and the Navy Show Band - Rhode Island Sound - providing musical entertainment. Festivities unofficially commence earlier that morning at 9:00 a.m., via an 8K walk/run sponsored by the Navy, which will begin at the harbor site and traverse much of Downtown Buffalo's waterfront district www.buffalonavyrun.com.

“While we shift our focus to the commercial development aspect of inner harbor revitalization, it's positive public events like the July 4th celebration, Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor and now Navy Week, which in the interim, continue to keep people coming back to the waterfront,” said Jordan Levy, chairman, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. “We're pleased to be working with our partners at City Hall, Buffalo Place Inc. and the Navy Office of Community Outreach to offer this free event to residents, visitors and all other interested attendees.”

On Monday, August 25th and Tuesday, August 26th, visitors to the harbor will have access to several innovative exhibits and information booths, including a 6,800 gallon Navy “dive tank,” where Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers will be conducting live practice drills, as well as a multi-person Navy flight simulator, offering participants a taste of the fighter pilot experience. In addition, each evening beginning at 6:00 p.m., former American Idol finalist and current Navy Reservist, Phil Stacey, will join Rhode Island Sound to offer free to-the-public musical performances.

“Buffalo Place is excited to be partnering with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and the City of Buffalo to host Buffalo Navy Week at the Erie Canal Harbor. This beautiful new public space provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the Navy Show Band and the traveling interactive Naval exhibits. It will be another exciting week in Downtown Buffalo,” said Keith Belanger, chairman, Buffalo Place Inc. Events are scheduled to conclude at Erie Canal Harbor on Wednesday, August 27th, in preparation for Buffalo “Navy Week” participation in the 7th Annual National Buffalo Wing Festival. Throughout “Buffalo Navy Week” Navy Sailors will also make appearances and visits to other WNY venues, including Ralph Wilson Stadium, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and the Buffalo VA Hospital. For more information on Buffalo “Navy Week” please visit http://buffalonavyweek.com.