MAYOR MASIELLO ANNOUNCES DELAWARE PARK WINTER HOLIDAY LIGHTING SPECTACULAR - LIGHTS IN THE PARK
September 22, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (9/22/99) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today announced a new winter holiday season lighting spectacular that will be exhibited in Delaware Park from November 19, 1999 through January 2, 2000. Similar to holiday lighting displays in over thirty-five cities across the country, the exhibition, known as Lights in the Park, will benefit the United Way of Buffalo. Sponsors of the event are Wegmans, Infinity Broadcasting-Buffalo and Niagara Mohawk.

"This lighting display will highlight the pervasive family spirit of the winter holidays, adding a spectacular visual treat for our entire community," stated Mayor Masiello. "But beyond the actual lighting displays, the exhibition will generate contributions benefiting our community, which will be administered by the United Way of Buffalo."

Consisting of over fifty displays that will feature animated figures (e.g., Frosty the Snowman), animals (e.g., reindeer) and miscellaneous items (e.g., castle; train), the lighting display can be accessed via automobile along the park's main ring road. All of the exhibits will be non-denominational.

Admission to the exhibition, per vehicle, will be $7.00 Monday through Friday and $9.00 Saturday and Sunday; however, $2.00 advance discount coupons will be available at Wegmans. Viewing of the displays will be available each evening from 6:00 pm through

10:00 pm.

The success of similar displays in cities such as Atlanta has led to timed tickets for admission. Buffalo's exhibit will be assembled by Brandano Displays of Syracuse, which has assembled similar displays in other communities.

"The United Way of Buffalo is pleased by this new partnership between the city, Wegmans, Infinity Broadcasting and Niagara Mohawk," stated United Way President Bob Bennett. "With the proceeds from this exhibit coming to the United Way, we think this event will begin a nice family tradition for years to come."

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