Western New York Happenings: June Events

Check out what's happening in Western New York this month.

Flight 3407 Memorial Race - the second annual 5K run/walk takes place Saturday, June 5th at Clarence Town Place Park. Registration on race day takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. - $25 for 5K and $20 for One Mile Fun Run/Walk. 5K starts at 9:30 a.m. and Fun Run at 10 a.m.; post-race party features medal presentations, food, beverages, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.3407fundraiser.com.

Buffalo Bills Open Practice - Saturday, June 5th from 3 to 5 p.m. at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. Free admission and parking, photo opportunities, reduced concessions pricing, interactive games, and new 2010 merchandise. Parking opens at 12:30 p.m. and stadium opens at 2 p.m. For more details, check out www.buffalobills.com.

Elephantastic Weekend - Saturday and Sunday, June 5th and 6th at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. A celebration of elephants around the world, including the Zoo's own Asian pair, Jothi and Surapa. Features activities, keeper talks, and Elephant Painting with Surapa. Call 716-995-6133 for more information, or visit www.buffalozoo.org.

Allentown Art Festival - Saturday and Sunday, June 12th and 13th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days in the historic Allentown District in Buffalo. The 53rd annual festival features hundreds of juried artisans. For more information, visit www.allentownartfestival.com.

Merritt Estate Winery's Strawberry Festival - the 30th annual festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 12th and 13th (Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.). Proceeds from the weekend benefit Ali's Rally and UNYTS of Western New York. Featuring entertainment, auctions, and Craft Village. Find out more at www.merrittestatewinery.com.

National Buffalo Garden Festival - begins Friday, June 18th and runs for five weeks, culminating with the nationally-renowned Garden Walk Buffalo, Saturday and Sunday, July 24th and 25th. Features garden walks in various communities, lectures, concerts, and special events. For more information, visit www.nationalgardenfestival.com.

Wine and Cheese Weekend on the Niagara Wine Trail - Friday through Sunday, June 18th through 20th at participating wineries along the Niagara Wine Trail. Celebrate Father's Day weekend with wine and cheese pairings at each participating winery, sponsored by Yancey's Fancy. Tickets are $20 per person online or $25 at the door; visit www.niagarawinetrail.org for tickets or more information.

Dollar Day at the Buffalo Zoo - Sunday, June 20th at the Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Dads get in for $1 in honor of Father's Day.

Williamsville Rotary Strawberry Festival - Wednesday, June 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Island Park, 5565 Main St. behind Village Hall in the Village of Williamsville.

Ride for Roswell - Saturday, June 26th at Baird Point on UB's North/Amherst Campus. Nine different routes are available in this annual fundraising bike trek for Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Find out more at the Ride for Roswell website.