Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Presents: Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Saturday, December 14, 2024, Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Presents the annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. The event marks the official opening of the free ice-skating season in the heart of Downtown Buffalo. The event begins at 5pm with free ice-skating. At 6pm, there will be a countdown to the lighting of the official tree and fireworks display over Fountain Plaza.

“We look forward to carrying on the tradition of free ice-skating in the heart of Downtown Buffalo and to working with our partners at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union” said Michael T. Schmand, Executive Director of Buffalo Place, Inc. “In partnership with the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Place has managed the operation of this outdoor ice-skating rink for 26 years. Renovations to Fountain Plaza provide residents and visitors with a charming outdoor winter activity to enjoy all season long.”

“At Cornerstone, we’ve had the privilege of serving the trust of our community for 67 years, and we’re honored to continue that legacy as we light up this holiday season,” said Eric Hepkins, CEO of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. “Our legacy is built on trust, and as we celebrate this time of year, we renew our commitment to the Western New York community. We’re not just here for the holidays – we’re here for the long haul.”  Eric continued, “With strong roots in this community, we’re excited to share many more seasons of growth and service together.”

Immediately following the fireworks and tree lighting, the fun will continue with visits with Santa, holiday gifts, face-painting, and ice-skating. The Buffalo AKG Art Truck will also be on-site. The new Art Truck is a mobile center for free hands-on artmaking that brings art activities and workshops for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of ability. Ice-skating is free and ice-skate rental is available; $2 for children and $3 for adults. Guests are encouraged to bring their own ice-skates and avoid waiting in the ice-skate rental line. Santa will visit with children from 6:30pm to 8pm.

Buffalo Place thanks Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union for their Presenting Sponsorship of the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Buffalo Place also thanks our official Media Sponsor and Partner, The Buffalo News, for their support of the event. Click here to follow us on Facebook.

About Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union: Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative that has been proudly serving the communities of Niagara and Erie Counties for over 67 years. With six convenient locations across the region, we are dedicated to providing accessible, personalized financial services to our members. Today, with approximately $632 million in assets, we continue to build on a legacy of trust and commitment that began in 1957 as Unit No. 1 Federal Credit Union, originally serving the employees of Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors. Our membership is now open to anyone who lives, works, worships, goes to school, or volunteers in Niagara and Erie Counties. At Cornerstone, we’re not just about banking—we’re about supporting and strengthening the communities we serve. Join us and experience the difference that nearly seven decades of trust, service, and community dedication can make.