Category: News

105-Year Old Emily Bula fulfills life-long dream aboard Maid of the Mist 

Emily Bula, a resident at The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville, N.Y. (suburban Buffalo) prepared to ring in her 105th birthday (July 25, 2025)with a dream come true — a ride aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on July 24. “They asked me what I would like to do. This is what I wanted to do, so I’m doing it,” Bula told reporters after her ride. “It’s beautiful.”

During a heartfelt conversation, Tina Baker, assistant director of activities at Harris Hill, learned that Emily had always dreamed of experiencing the awe of Niagara Falls from the iconic boat ride. Moved by Emily’s story, Tina reached out to the Maid of the Mist team, who enthusiastically partnered with the facility to turn this long-held wish into reality. Emily will board one of the Maid of the Mist’s all-electric, zero-emission e-boats, the first of their kind in North America.

Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn will welcome Emily on board and presented her with Maid of the Mist gifts. “Emily’s visit proves that it is never too late, and you are never too old to ride Maid of the Mist.”

Born on July 25, 1920, in Michigan, Emily (née Buczko) has lived a life rich in family, faith and community. She has been a resident at Harris Hill Nursing Facility for two years and continues to inspire those around her with her energy, humor, and her love of dancing — especially the Polka.

Very appropriately, Emily met her husband Joseph on the dance floor, and the couple shared 53 joyful years together. “It was 19 cents for the dance, and beer was only 3 cents,” Emily fondly recalls. The Bula Family built their home in Tonawanda in 1954 and resided there for many years. A hardworking woman with a heart for service, Emily held several jobs in department stores and at ACME, where she cherished working with people. Joseph worked at Dunlop and served as a New York State umpire.

Although Emily’s husband and their son, Dick, have passed away, their memories continue to live on through Emily’s stories. Emily has lived through more than a century of history with grace and optimism. Her hobbies include sewing, gardening, and jewelry-making, and she was still driving until the age of 101. In fact, her driver’s license is valid until August! She’s been a proud AAA member for over 50 years, never once having an accident, earning herself a free year as a reward.

A lifelong volunteer, Emily began working with the Ladies of Charity in 1962 and managed their thrift store for 25 years. She was also a devoted parishioner at St. Andrew’s Church in Kenmore.

Emily attributes her longevity to keeping busy, eating healthy and enjoying a daily four-ounce glass of red wine. Her favorite motto? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When not dancing, you can find her indulging in her favorite treat — chocolate, especially dark (but she won’t turn down milk chocolate either).

Maid of the Mist Sets Sail on 140th Season

Maid of the Mist has launch its 2025 season, continuing a tradition that dates to 1846.

“Opening Day is one of celebration for the Niagara Falls travel and tourism industry,” said Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn. “Our crew is ready to once again welcome the world and provide our guests with an iconic experience.”

Maid of the Mist features two all-electric, zero-emission vessels: James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla. When they were placed into service in 2020, they were the first vessels of their kind in North America. Tours depart every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to  5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Hours of operation will be extended throughout the summer.  

Adult tickets are $30.25, tickets for children (6–12 years) $19.75, and children 5 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online at https://www.maidofthemist.com/schedule-pricing/. This year’s season runs through Nov. 2, 2025.

Travel Weekly Q & A with Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn

By Alexandra Coulton

The president Maid of the Mist Corp. took us on a virtual tour of Niagara Falls. He said the raincoat and buckets of water were not necessary, but we beg to differ.

What’s your main goal for this year?

Our main goal is a continuation of our positive business recovery as we work our way out of the pandemic. We have found sustained growth in our leisure visitors over the past two seasons. There continues, however, to be a significant lag in the group market, which was expected. We anticipate another year before the group market shows meaningful signs of recovery for Niagara Falls.

Through it all, our guests from around the world tell us they really enjoy the new experience on our cutting-edge all-electric, zero-emission vessels, the James V. Glynn and Nikola Tesla, which were placed into service late in the 2020 season.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

The reaction of our millions of visitors as they come face to face with one of the world’s most famous and impressive natural wonders. For many, Niagara Falls and the Maid of the Mist is a bucket list item, and we are happy to be able to participate in an activity that is so important to them on a personal level.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to get outdoors and enjoy spending my free time golfing and skiing.

Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?

We took a family trip skiing in Utah in January of 2022, as well as a Florida holiday. And we are taking a trip with our young children to Legoland in New York State next month – it just opened last year in Hudson Valley, and we are so excited to check it out.

What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?

Micato Safaris. They are a luxury safari company that runs tours in Africa and India. Like the Maid of the Mist Corporation, they are a family-run business and are very much focused on innovative offerings that amplify the guest experience.

If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Winston Churchill, Vincent Van Gogh, and Josh Allen (quarterback for the Buffalo Bills National Football League team, which is the local team where I live). I think the conversation around the table would be unique!

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?

During the height of the crisis, I witnessed a lot of neighbours helping neighbours. That was refreshing.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?

Be patient and have the ability on an operational level to plan for, and to quickly adapt to, the constantly changing and unpredictable circumstances created by the Pandemic that may significantly impact your ability to operate on short notice.

What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?

Ted Lasso. Its portrayal of the importance of kindness is such an important message. Plus, it’s funny.

This article originally appeared in Australia-based Travel Weekly.

Jimmy Carter’s memorable Maid of the Mist visit

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, was married to his late wife Rosalynn for 77 years. In July of 1996, the couple spent their 50th wedding anniversary in Niagara Falls, often referred to as The Honeymoon Capitol of the World. The visit included a meeting with the family of James V. Glynn, owner of the Maid of the Mist, and a ride on the iconic attraction that provides an unparalleled view of Niagara Falls.

From left to right: James V. Glynn, Mary Glynn, President Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Christopher M. Glynn.

The Buffalo News reported that the couple had a chance encounter with former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau while in Niagara Falls: “Their meeting by coincidence was an additional high point in a day that began with the former president’s customary morning jog and included a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.”

The nation’s 39th president and his wife were accompanied on Maid of the Mist by company chairman James V. Glynn, his wife, Mary, and their son, Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn.

Upon their return to Plains, Georgia, President Carter wrote to James V. Glynn: “It was good to be with you in Niagara Falls. Rosalynn and I had a great trip aboard the Maid of the Mist and are grateful for the special courtesies you extended to us.” The cherished keepsake is framed along with a photograph from the Carter’s meeting with the Glynn’s.

The Glynn Family and the entire Maid of the Mist crew extended their prayerful condolences to The Carter Family.

President Carter’s letter to James V. Glynn.

Governor Hochul Announces Construction of ‘Crow’s Nest’ Project at Niagara Falls State Park

Project To Extend Walkway From Gorge to Prospect Point

Part of Governor Hochul’s Summer Campaign to Help Kids and Families “Get Offline, Get Outside”

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn (far right) joins local and state dignitaries in breaking ground for the Crow’s Nest extension. Maid of the Mist is contributing $1.7M to the project.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction is set to begin on the extension of the ‘Crow’s Nest’ at Niagara Falls State Park. The expansion project includes the construction of new stairs and an overlook structure which will connect the existing ‘Crow’s Nest’ feature to Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park, providing a new close-up view of the Falls. The Aug. 27, 2024 announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s summer campaign to help kids and families “Get Offline, Get Outside.”

“Niagara Falls State Park is the perfect place to get outdoors, get offline, and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “This project will provide another opportunity for New Yorkers to put their phones down and take advantage of all the beautiful natural resources that our state has to offer.”

The Crow’s Nest extension will allow visitors to exit the Lower Niagara Falls Gorge on foot, easing elevator congestion.

The ‘Crow’s Nest’ is a set of stairs located alongside the American Falls that allow visitors to climb halfway up the side of the Falls for breathtaking views of the Falls before requiring visitors to go back down into the Gorge and return to the upper level via the Maid of the Mist elevators. When complete, the project will provide visitors with a new option to experience the Niagara Gorge and relieve pedestrian congestion in the lower gorge during the busy season, where the only current means of egress is the elevator inside of the observation tower. The stairs will be operated as a one-way egress from the lower gorge during the busy season, and as a two-way access to the overlook during a portion of the off season.

Work will begin in early September 2024 and be complete for the 2026 season. The $9 million project is being funded by State Parks capital funding, The Maid of the Mist Corporation, The Niagara River Greenway and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “This project perfectly exemplifies the ways we are working to enhance our visitors’ experiences to our State Parks. In this case, the stairs will provide recreation opportunities by expanding access to the lower part of the gorge and to Niagara Falls, an alternative to needing an elevator and the overlook will allow people to experience the Falls from a very close and unparalleled viewing perspective. We are grateful to all of our partners who have contributed to this project.”

New York Power Authority Chairman and Western New York Resident John R. Koelmel said, “The new construction will connect the crow’s nest feature to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, making it easier for visitors to take in the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. Our support for the project is reflective of the Power Authority’s ongoing commitment to the community surrounding the Niagara Power Project.”

Representative Tim Kennedy said, “Our region is enriched by having one of the natural wonders of the world in our own backyard. This project will improve access with even more breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and provide a new way for residents and tourists to take in nature and enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.”

State Senator Rob Ortt said, “I am always proud to support projects that enhance the crown jewel of the New York State Parks system. Creating more navigable paths at one of the most popular destinations at Niagara Falls State Park is long overdue and ultimately, will make for better visitor experiences for guests from around the world.”

Assemblymember Angelo Morinello said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul and all the partners who continue to add to our World Class Attraction, Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge. The completion of the Crows Nest and the additional access to the gorge increases the overall Niagara Falls experience for locals and tourists alike.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “This addition to the State Park experience will provide even more breathtaking access to our Niagara Falls. The “Crow’s Nest” extension will give residents and visitors an unmatched opportunity to enjoy the beauty and majesty of our natural wonder. We appreciate this investment and look forward to its completion.”

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn said, “We believe our $1.7M investment in this innovative project will further enhance the Maid of the Mist Experience,” said. When the extension is finished, it will expedite people moving up to Prospect Point, alleviating some of the pressure on the Observation Tower elevators during our busiest times, such as the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends.”

Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign builds on her efforts to promote healthy living among young people and families across New York. Governor Hochul recently signed nation-leading legislation – theStop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act – to protect kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from online platforms. Learn more about Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside campaign.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

Working on Maid of the Mist one of the ‘coolest’ jobs during extreme heat

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — Meghan Strassburg might have the coolest job in all of Western New York as a crew member on the Maid of the Mist in her hometown of Niagara Falls. For her, it’s a family tradition as her grandfather, brother, cousins and other family members have all worked for the Maid of the Mist.

“It’s awesome on a summer day because I’m able to go right in the middle of the horseshoe, and get blasted with cool water,” said Strassburg who takes the trip to the falls and back 23 times per day. “I say to myself, I’m never going to find another job like this where I come in contact with thousands of people from all over the world,” explained Strassburg. “We’re able to bring them on this amazing ride and watch them enjoy themselves…It’s amazing, best job ever!”

The Maid of the Mist welcomes more than one million people each year. In the peak season of summer, thousands of people ride the boats each day.

On Wednesday (June 19, 2024) Strassburg took 7 News’ Michael Schwartz through her routine aboard the Maid of the Mist. It includes checking on the hundreds of passengers on each trip, docking the boat, and connecting two electric chargers to the boat once docked. The Maid of the Mists has two vessels. They take seven minutes to charge, as the crew is on a precise schedule. In 2020 the company became the first all-electric zero-emission tour boat in North America.

Schwartz also went into the captain’s wheelhouse to see how the crew navigates the powerful and precise ship. The captain told Schwartz that every day is different, due to the power of the Niagara River and winds that provide for dense mist clouds.  It’s through the mist where passengers get soaked standing on the bow of the boat, which is less than 1,000 feet from the falls. 

“We’re able to bring them on this amazing ride, and watch them enjoy themselves,” said Strassburg.

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/best-job-ever-maid-of-the-mist-crew-proves-to-have-cool-job-in-the-heat