Upcoming Events
Reenactment - September 6th, 2025
This event will reenact the Edward M Cotter's arrival into the Buffalo Harbor as it happened in 1900.
This is a FREE event!! This will take place in the channel in front of the Buffalo Naval Park. 20 Local and International agencies vessels will accompany our arrival the same way it was in 1900. This will begin at 930 AM so make sure to secure your spot along the waterfront prior to start time. At 11 am, the EM Cotter with display an epic water show from all the vessels 5 Deck Guns. We will also be hosting the South Park Highschool Band along with BFD Honor Guard and a flyover by Erie County Sheriffs Helicopter.
VIP viewing package option:
VIP seating/viewing and breakfast aboard the USS Littlerock can be purchased via the Naval Parks website. For more information about VIP info and ticket purchasing please click .
Cotter Fest - September 20, 2025
Join us at Riverfest park for the 125th Anniversary of our great EM Cotter!!!! For the vessels quasquicentennial, we are going all out! Live Music, food/drinks, multiple raffles, great views of the ship in action, merch and much, much more. Bring the whole family down as we will also be hosting kid friendly activities and a visit from "sparky the fire dog".
Also, enjoy some fun interactive learning stations from our friends at the Mutual History Museum.
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The 5 Great Lakes learning stations
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Children's Id table and 911 station via Erie County Sheriffs Department
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See the on screen used Bat Mobile from the original TV series with all the characters.
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50/50, basket and Taylor Swift signed guitar raffles.
Cotterfest itinerary (subject to change)
12:45 - Doors open
1-2:00 - Billy Larush and Friends
2:00 - Opening Ceremonies
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National Anthem w/ Buffalo Fire Honor Guard
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Blessing via Father Paul Siel
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Greater Buffalo Pipes and Drums Band
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Fireboat water show
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Flyover of Erie One via Erie County Sheriffs
2:15-3:30 - South Buffalo Fresh Air Sea Shanty
3:45-5:45 - South City Band
5:45 - Drawings for all raffles
We cannot wait to see you all there!
2025 Erie County Fair - August 6-17, 2025
Come check out our table inside the Firemen's Building, we will have our to-scale models on display and our 125th Anniversary Merchandise! Hope to see you there!
Want to Learn More?? Presentations Are Now Available!!
Did you know that the Fireboat E.M. Cotter Conservancy offers an Educational and Informational presentation to local Community and Senior groups to learn more about our local Historic Landmark, the 124 year old Fireboat E. M. Cotter?
We have a 30 minute video and speaker presentation, as well as a companion presentation for our partner group, the Buffalo Fire Historical Museum. We will provide the speaker, videos, screens, and brochures and you provide the room and an electrical connection.
These presentations highlight the history of the Buffalo Fire Department and the changes to the waterfront over many years and include a video tour of the Fireboat, top to bottom. Sure to interest everyone!
If you would like more information or to make arrangements for groups, please contact Ron Endle, Conservancy Treasurer at 716-479-4186 or email: ronfirellc@aol.com. We look forward to seeing you.