ECHDC Announces Galbani® Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival to Relocate To Buffalo Outer Harbor In 2017

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Outer Harbor Management Group, the City of Buffalo, and the Italian Heritage Festival Association announce the relocation of the Galbani® Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival from Hertel Avenue to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. The family-friendly festival, which celebrates 30 years of authentic food, lively music, and entertaining cultural traditions, will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 13-16, 2017.  

“Everyone looks forward to the Italian Fest each year,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia.  “We are excited to bring the popular festival to the Outer Harbor where the sights, sounds and delicious food will be enjoyed along with the beauty of the new waterfront location.” 

“Galbani Cheese is proud to be the title sponsor of the Galbani Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival for yet another year and we’re very excited about the move to this amazing, new location,” said Jessica Ruth, spokesperson for Galbani Cheese. “We love being a part of this event because it brings friends and family together to celebrate Italian food and culture. Now, we have the ideal space and location for even more people to join us in celebrating our Italian heritage.”  

“We welcome the Italian Heritage Festival Association to the Outer Harbor, a great venue on Buffalo’s waterfront, offering beautiful summer sunsets,” said Outer Harbor Management Group representative and President of Rich Baseball Operations Jon Dandes.  “We are committed to a world-class experience working with our partners. Thank you to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and the Italian Heritage Festival committee for their confidence in us.” 

The Outer Harbor event will provide numerous activities including:

• Bocce ball tournament
• Italian Idol and Miss Italian Festival competition
• Cultural heritage activities
• Local entertainment
• Children’s activities and crafts
• Cheese building contests
• Cooking demonstrations
• Wine tastings
• Grape stomping contests 
•  Italian car show
• Sicilian puppet shows 

A proposed $5.00 admission fee will be charged for adults, with veterans and seniors paying half price and children 12 and under admitted for free. 

Event highlights include a live performance by Sal Valentinetti, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” Season 11 and the always popular Celebrity Galbani® Cheese Building Contest.  

For the 19th consecutive year, Galbani® cheese, previously known as Sorrento Cheese, is proud to act as the title sponsor. During the festivals, guests can visit the La Cucina Galbani® cooking stage every day for delicious recipe ideas and demonstrations from Chef Marco as well as complementary samples of recipes created with Galbani® products. 

“I am happy to see the annual Galbani Italian Heritage Festival continue for a 30th year, and pleased with its relocation to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “Our city’s food festivals bring millions of visitors to Buffalo every year. I hope residents and visitors will put this great festival on their summer must-do list. We look forward to enjoying great Italian food on our city’s harbor.” 

“It is bittersweet to see the festival move off of Hertel Avenue, but I know the relocation will provide an opportunity for expansion, said Councilman Joel P. Feroleto. “ I am very excited that the Outer Harbor will give even more people a chance to experience this wonderful event, which I have loved since I was a kid growing up in North Buffalo. “ 

About Outer Harbor Management Group
In 2013, Governor Cuomo transferred 350 acres of Outer Harbor Land to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation whose guiding principles and resources have enabled it to support and expedite the land's redevelopment. The Outer Harbor Management Group oversees 160 acres of land that is used and continuously improved by ECHDC in accordance with the Buffalo Outer Harbor Blueprint. Buffalo’s Outer Harbor can be easily accessed via Ohio Street, Route 5 and the Queen City Ferry. For GPS navigation, use the address 325 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203. For more information and a detailed calendar of events, please visit www.outerharborbuffalo.com.    

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two nonvoting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor. 

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty. For more information on ECHDC, visit www.eriecanalharbor.com. 

About Galbani® brand cheese 
First crafted in Italy by Egidio Galbani in 1882—Galbani® cheeses have long been the #1 cheese brand in Italy. For over 130 years, Galbani cheese has been delighting families all over Italy. Today, Galbani brings its timeless tradition from Italy to the American table with the delicious taste of mozzarella, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, and snack cheese crafted and sold in the United States. Galbani® cheese is a leading brand of the Lactalis American Group, Inc. (“LAG”). Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LAG is a subsidiary of Parmalat S.p.A., an Italian public entity majority-owned by France-based Groupe Lactalis - the world's largest producer of premium cheese. LAG produces a wide array of cheese products, including a variety of specialty cheese available to retail, foodservice and industrial customers. For more info on Galbani, please visit www.galbanicheese.com.