The EC200 committee has announced that the first event in the EC200 Heritage Commemoration Series will take place on Wednesday, June 30^th at the historic Roycroft Campus in East Aurora with Pride Night, a free event featuring musical performances by the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus and speakers on the topics of local and regional activism such as the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in New York State and discussion of transgender rights. The celebratory event will take place on the Roycroft Campus' Great Lawn at 31 South Grove St. in East Aurora from 7-9 PM. Gates open at 6 PM and the Roycroft Copper Shop Gallery and Gift Shop will remain open until 6:30 PM.

“This will be a fun, free event to kick off the Heritage Commemoration Series and it’s a great way to take part in Erie County’s bicentennial celebration,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The series will highlight our heritage throughout the summer, with more events being scheduled around the county, so I encourage residents to join in and enjoy some summer fun.”

Dr. Robert Strauss, Artistic Director of the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, said, “This year marks the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus twentieth anniversary and we're so proud to be able to be part of this event.  We've always been proud to live in Erie County and are so grateful that as part of the County's bicentennial, the County is showing Pride in us and the LGBTQ community.”

“We are proud to partner with Erie County to present this unique program to the Western New York   community,” stated Curt Maranto, Executive Director of the Roycroft Campus. “The Roycroft has been a center for the arts and progressive social issues since its founding in 1897, and is the perfect venue to commemorate our shared history.”

In addition to the Chorus’ performance, speakers at the event will include the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project and longtime activists Ari Moore and Camille Hopkins, presenting on local LGBTQ+ history, stories, and events. The Pride event will be emceed by Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski (Fillmore District) and other participating organizations include the Buffalo History Museum and Gay & Lesbian Youth Services. 

Flying Bison Brewing Company will be offering beer tastings. Attendees should bring their own blankets or chairs and may also bring their own refreshments; they are also asked to observe a carry-in/carry-out policy for food and trash. Masks should be worn while entering and exiting the event space and when purchasing food or drinks or using the restroom.

Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting 

https://www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com/upcoming-events/

Participants requiring any accommodations should please call ahead at (716) 655-0261.

Background:

Planning for EC200 began almost two years ago with an organizational effort that included the County Executive’s office along with Executive Director of the Buffalo History Museum Melissa Brown, Erie County Historian Douglas Kohler, and a few dozen local historical, cultural, and community stakeholders.

The group grew to include hundreds of volunteers working on programming, marketing, inclusion and outreach for the year-long bicentennial celebration. Committee work is focused on Education, Programming, Marketing, Media/Social Media, and Diversity and Inclusion.

A sampling of the organizations joining the Erie County Departments of Environment & Planning and Parks, Recreation and Forestry in presenting EC200 includes Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Hispanic Heritage, the Buffalo History Museum, Explore and More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum,  Flying Bison Brewing Company, the Baird Foundation, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, EPIC, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the WNY Pride Center as well as many local historical sites.

For more information:

On EC200 visit:      https://www3.erie.gov/ec200/ 

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