The Beat

More Lake Ontario Tributaries to Receive Increased Water Flow from Erie Canal, Improving Spawning Conditions & Enhancing Angling Opportunities

New Website with Water Release Schedule Launched

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations. Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority's Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties -an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.

8th Parks’ Solar Project Statewide Since 2012

Solar Energy Now Covers 15 Percent of Parks’ Total Electrical Needs

Project Pictures Available Here

As part of a series of new sustainability initiatives being announced by state agencies for Climate Week 2021, New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today announced a new solar array will provide clean, sustainable, carbon-free power maintenance operations at Niagara Falls State Park - already the longtime symbol of green energy in New York State thanks to the Falls’ century-old history of hydroelectric power generation.

Eight Terrifying Attractions Headline This Year’s Event

2022 Season Passes Now Available

Media Assets

Darien Center, N.Y. — September 9, 2021 — Six Flags Darien Lake, The Thrill Capital of New York, will unleash the biggest, most spine-chilling Fright Fest® yet this fall. This signature event brings Thrills by Day with Trick-or-Treat trails and family-friendly activities, and Fright by Night, featuring four eerie mazes and four blood-curdling scare zones, along with ominous, roaming zombies straight out of a nightmare.

Festive Holiday Light Event Runs November 18 through January 2, 2022.

Season Passes Are Now Available.

Magic of Lights Photos & Video

Darien Center, N.Y. (August 24, 2021) — Six Flags Darien Lake, The Thrill Capital of New York, is excited to announce an all-NEW Holiday tradition, the Magic of Lights drive-through experience. The theme park will be all decked out and shining bright this holiday season from November 18 through January 2, 2022. This 1.25-mile magical route winds guests through the park and campground from the comfort and warmth of their own cars. and will be overflowing with spectacular lighting displays that bring favorite holiday themes and characters to life.

Exciting new family-friendly, low-cost addition to Buffalo’s Waterfront

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG) today announced that the canals at Canalside are converted into a giant roller rink that is now open and will roll through the fall season until October 31. At more than 30,000 square feet, the Roller Rink at Canalside, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, is the largest outdoor roller-skating rink in New York State.

Tractors old and new, steam engines, live music, food and fun in Alexander, N.Y.

Alexander, N.Y. – The annual Western New York Gas & Steam Association Rally returns for its 54th year from Sep. 9 through 12, 2021. This year’s event honors “International Harvester & Miniature Models” and will feature hundreds of exhibitors displaying a wide range of rare, beautifully preserved and restored items. Event attendees can admire working and static displays of equipment from yesteryear, such as Antique Tractors, Steam Engines, Gas Engines, Stationary & Hit 'N Miss Engines and more. In addition to the 2-acre flea market that runs all weekend, this year’s rally includes a Consignment Auction beginning at 10 a.m. on Sep. 9, 2021. 

Exciting new family-friendly, low-cost addition to Buffalo’s Waterfront

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG) today announced that the canals at Canalside will be converted into a giant roller rink that will open on August 20 and roll through the fall season to October 31. At more than 30,000 square feet, the Roller Rink at Canalside, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, will be the largest outdoor roller-skating rink in New York State.

Batavia, N.Y. – One of the longest consecutively running county fairs in New York State, the Genesee County Fair is celebrating its 181st year. It will take place July 24 – 31, 2021 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. A short drive from both Rochester and Buffalo, and just $10 per carload, it is one of the most affordable family activities of the summer. 

Run 100% by volunteers, the county fair continues to grow and once again includes a second weekend. Over the eight days of the fair, attendees will enjoy nightly live music, classic fair foods, meet and greets with animals and a Midway courtesy of Hammerl Amusements.

Buffalo Harbor Cruises partnering with The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and others to create this family-friendly event

Buffalo, NY -- Buffalo Harbor Cruises is partnering with The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, Explore & More Children’s Museum, Buffalo Heritage Carousel and IMAGINE Greater Buffalo to create a family-friendly event called Waterfront Wednesdays, an Erie County 200 event.

Starting in July, when you purchase an adult ticket on a Wednesday Landmark Cruise a child can cruise for free. Dennis Galucki, founder of IMAGINE Greater Buffalo, will deliver a special storyline that takes you from the past to the present and beyond. Guests will also receive a voucher for children to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, Explore & More Children’s Museum and the Buffalo Heritage Carousel free with paid admission of an adult.