Historic Commute This Tuesday Morning in Western New York

Tuesday could be a historic day across the Southtowns and much of Western New York! Two major events will be happening at the same time, and they could create a major commute on Tuesday morning, likely one that we haven’t seen in a long, long time.

My wife and I have been talking about these final two weeks of August and the summer. As we get ready for the final approach to back-to-school season, these next couple of weeks can be some of the most difficult for families with kids. Camps have mostly wrapped up for the year, and families are looking for things to fill the time with their kids.

Related: The Best FREE Event for Kids at Highmark Stadium

Luckily, two major events are happening Tuesday morning that could provide plenty of entertainment for families.

Have You Been to the Erie County Fair Yet?

Have you been to the Erie County Fair yet? The best 12 days of summer are rolling on in Hamburg, and thousands of people have already made their way through the gates!

Every year, attendance records are set at the fair, and this year looks to be on pace to do the same.

But just up the road in Orchard Park, the Buffalo Bills will be hosting an open practice for fans who haven’t had a chance to see the team, or the brand-new Highmark Stadium, yet.

While tickets have been gobbled up quickly, there may still be a few available through friends or other fans.

This has been one of the most highly talked-about events of the summer because it could be the first opportunity for many fans who aren’t season-ticket holders to see what the inside of this roughly $2 billion project looks like.

Could This Be One of the Busiest Tuesday Mornings Ever?

Here’s where the history comes in.

I don’t think there has ever been a Tuesday morning in the Southtowns when more than 60,000 people are expected to converge in the same general area. At least, I don’t think it’s ever happened during a morning commute.

If you plan to be on the road early Tuesday morning, keep in mind that there will be much more traffic than usual.

The Bills’ open practice starts early, and the Erie County Fair will also be open. I know the 4-H horse show will be taking place Tuesday morning at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, beginning at 9 a.m.

Plan Ahead If You’re Driving Through Hamburg or Orchard Park

You might want to plan ahead for all the additional traffic you could see around Hamburg, Orchard Park, Route 219 southbound and the I-90 westbound corridor.

If you’re commuting through the area Tuesday morning, give yourself some extra time. You could encounter significantly more traffic than you’re used to seeing on a typical August morning.

We are blessed to have so many great events happening in an area that many people consider to be all about snow, chicken wings and Buffalo Bills football.

Well, that last part might be true.

But there are so many other things happening here in Western New York throughout the summer. It just so happens that two of the area’s biggest events are falling on the same day in late August and that could make Tuesday morning one for the history books.