Things to Do in Cheektowaga

Perched at the bow of the pirate ship, the captain's parrot braces for stormy weather. But in the case of the pirate-ship inflatable at Pirates Plank, the feeling of choppy waves isn't generated by water below, but by the youngsters hopping on it. Kids can also jump around on a _Pirates of the Caribbean_–themed bounce house before navigating around the tranquil ponds decorating the 18-hole miniature-golf course.

Elsewhere, Pirates Plank hosts races on its go-kart track, gamers in its video arcade, and players in its batting cages aiming for homers or to hit balls back into the machine they came from. The snack bar keeps visitors reenergized with tasty treats, and birthday parties entice attendees with unlimited soda and popcorn, arcade tokens for each guest, and mini-golf passes for future visits.

Three branches of a winding creek intersect at the very center of 18 Mile Creek Golf Course, spreading out in a wishbone pattern along the layout's fairways and greens. Along with four small ponds, the creek supplies the bulk of the course's hazards, as golfers must steer their drives, approaches, and thirsty golf carts away from water that comes into play on 10 holes. With a total distance of 6,081 yards, the par 70 layout caters to clubbers across the handicap spectrum. After rounds, golfers can replenish energy sapped from crushing drives or disciplining misbehaving wedges at the clubhouse, which serves burgers, hot dogs, beer, and other grill food and refreshments.

Awash in the aromas of all manner of edible creations, the air in Cazenovia Park buzzes with the strums of guitars and cheerful chatter as Taste of South Buffalo’s festivities carry on into the night. Throughout the day, chefs from area restaurants such as Brick Oven Bistro & Deli and Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub can be found serving up hearty helpings of their signature dishes. In the background, live music from local artists Jane Jane Soundsystem, The Voice contestant Zack Joseph, and So Far So Good add a toe-tapping component to the proceedings and facilitate synchronized eating routines.

Taste of South Buffalo’s loaded schedule of events mingles food with entertainment, starting off with a USA Track & Field-sanctioned Mike Diggins Memorial 5K walk and run at 8 a.m. Afterward, the Buffalo Warriors take on the South Buffalo Catholic School's parents in a basketball game at 11 a.m. Other events include a split-club drawing and a taping of the game show Duck, Duck, Goose wherein elementary students answer questions culled from 36 categories in an attempt to scoop up various prizes.