After a 45 minute delay, the fireworks at Canalside lit up the Downtown Buffalo sky.
Officials at Canalside say an electrical problem caused the delay, that had thousands waiting for more than 40 minutes.
Nearly 25,000 people headed to the waterfront to celebrate our nation’s Independence with music, food, and fireworks.
As early as 2 p.m. visitors headed to Canalside with blankets and chairs in hand ready to claim a spot on the lawn for the highlight of the evening, the fireworks, all while taking in a perfect summer day.
I enjoy the festivities the music the food definitely I like looking at the water, the boats and for me it’s just peaceful.
But before anyone could step foot into the venue, visitors were greeted by security. Guards patrolled entrances - checking bags for prohibited items, even asking visitors to empty their pockets – all in the name of safety.
“You know, having police personnel present and everything will hopeful curtail some stuff,” Steve Raiport told 7 Eyewitness News.
Raiport is visiting with family from Gowanda. He says he doesn’t mind having his backs checked and is more than happy to comply with the checkpoint if it keeps this event safe.
“With today’s society and everything else its best to be on the safe side you just don’t know who you can trust or anything anymore so having security in place just makes it a fun safe environment for families.”
Security wasn’t just beefed up on land, but also on water – with the Coast Guard, and BPD, State Troopers all working cooperatively.
