In 1978, the event started with the modest beginnings in the Capitol,
Room EF100. Staffers from the Offices of Representatives Kemp, LaFalce,
and Nowak organized the event. Large and enthusiastic crowds spilled
into the Capitol hallways as the inaugural event called The Buffalo
Party.” The tradition exhibiting Buffalo pride through signature
food and drinks and an event format was established. “The Buffalo
Party” continued under the management of Western New York Congressional
staffers through 1985.
The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce ran the renamed “Buffalo Night
in Washington, D.C. from 1986 to 1992. The event was held in Washington
hotels and other venues in the Cannon, Longsworth, and Rayburn Buildings
of the House of Representatives. Additional Buffalo flavor and hometown
management was added.
The New York State Society assumed stewardship in 1993. A larger committee
implemented a multitude of ideas. The event was entitled “Buffalo
Nite” and the “Charging Buffalo” Award was presented
to recognize outstanding Buffalonians. There was more corporate sponsorship,
more food, live music, charitable contributions, and a unique logo created.
Buffalo Nite receives annual support from New York Senators and Members
of Congress. Attendance at Buffalo Nite and membership in the New York
State Society increases annually.
A showcase of Buffalo, New York State’s second largest city, Buffalo
Nite is an annual celebration of Buffalo pride and traditions right
in the heart of our Nation’s Capital. The “City of Good
Neighbors” legacy attracts hundreds of local Buffalo people and
fellow New Yorkers. Friend, food, fun, reminiscence, comradeship, and
conversation are sparked by thoughts of Millionaires Row, Kleinhans
Music Hall, Hertel, Elmwood and Chippewa haunts, the HSBC Arena, the
new airport terminal, the Aud, Shea’s Performing Arts Center,
Lake Erie and the waterfront, Albright Knox, Delaware Park, the Bills,
Sabres, and Bisons, the universities, Our Lady of Victory National Shrine,
the Allentown Festival and the Broadway Market and Anchor Bar. Buffalo,
each year, is number one for a special night in the shadow of the Nation’s
Capitol Dome.
