NIAGARA FALLS — Dignitaries from around the nation and Canada came to Niagara Falls in 1885 to be a part of history when the governor of New York accepted the Niagara Reservation as a state park.

Organizers hope marching units will come from far and wide to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the park with a parade July 17.

Once privately owned, the park property became a state reservation in April 1885, when Gov. David B. Hill signed the necessary bond issue. The following July 15, he officially opened the reservation to the public.

Although Canadian officials participated in the American ceremonies, Queen Victoria Park, across the Niagara River in Niagara Falls, Ont., was still in the process of creation and did not formally open until May 1888.

The new park was called Niagara Reservation State Park for many years, until later being renamed Niagara Falls State Park. The original cost to create this park — the oldest state park in the nation — was estimated at $1.4 million in 1885. Admission to the park always has been free, but there is a charge for parking in its lots.

Park officials are planning a 125th anniversary celebration, including a concert and fireworks, on the actual date of its public opening — July 15. Since that date falls on a Thursday, however, planners have scheduled the anniversary parade for 11 a. m. July 17, a Saturday, which they feel will be more convenient for participants.

Parade organizer Jerald Wolfgang has sent out a call for marching bands and other groups wishing to participate in the parade.

Wolfgang said prizes would be awarded in several parade categories, including fire companies, majorettes, dance teams, motorized units, antique cars, military units, veterans’ posts, cheerleaders, color guards and bands.

Mayor Paul A. Dyster said, “This will be an old-fashioned community parade, which is only fitting since our state park has been such an important part of the Niagara Falls community for more than a century. We are pleased to support the parade and we want to thank Jerry Wolfgang and the volunteers that are working to make it a memorable event on the historic occasion of the park’s 125th anniversary.”

Those wishing to participate may register by calling Wolfgang at 851-1374 or 754-7745 or by e-mailing