Civil Municipal - June 2024

and visitors alike to enjoy year-round activities, from summer concerts in Sturges Park to winter skating at the Civic Center. A hub of local culture, Buffalo hosts an array of events that draw crowds from across the region. The annual Buffalo Days, celebrated every June, features a grand parade, fireworks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Championship Rodeo, Minnesota’s oldest rodeo, showcases thrilling performances of cowboy skill and tradition. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s numerous public sculptures and murals and the popular Art & Craft Festival held each August. Mayor Teri Lachermeier shares her enthusiasm about what makes the city stand out.“I consider myself the number one cheerleader for our community,” she begins, highlighting the intimate charm of Buffalo. “We’re a very quaint town with a strong sense of community,” she notes. The mayor also outlines the extensive recreational infrastructure that makes Buffalo a notable destination. “We have 30 public parks, two arenas, and our civic center,” she shares. The city also prides itself on its 27miles of bike and pedestrian trails and a municipal airport that hosts a popular annual aviation event. “These facilities and events highlight what we have to offer and put our city on the map,” she adds. CELEBRATING RECREATION AND CULTURE IN BUFFALO The Planning and Economic Development Director, David Kelly, brings a unique perspective on Buffalo’s geographical charm.“One of the things that I always find exciting from the planning side is that we have two massive lakes in the city,” he points out. Buffalo Lake and Lake Pulaski are substantial in size and central to the community’s lifestyle and recreational activities. “People come from around the area to go fishing, and we utilize the lakes. We’re planning to enhance this interaction even further in the future,” Kelly explains, sharing his vision for leveraging these natural resources to enrich community life further. He also touches on a curious local cultural quirk related to the city’s name. “It’s funny because we have these bison statues throughout our downtown, representing buffaloes, yet ironically, we’re named 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 BUFFALO, MN