U2 tribute closes out Crystal Beach Supper Market season

Jack Sutherland
September 6, 2026 at 3:01 AM

The Crystal Beach Waterfront Supper Market wrapped up its 2026 season Thursday with two bands, a packed Waterfront Park and another round of food trucks and fundraising, despite rain scattering some of the crowd during the evening.

Local band Rock Garden opened the finale at 5 p.m. and played for an hour before Las Vegas-based U2 tribute band Arms of America took the stage around 6:30 p.m.

The park was packed early in the evening. Rain later sent some people looking for cover, but many remained and continued dancing during the two-hour headline set. Credit: Jack Sutherland | Fort Erie Radio

Arms of America performed U2 songs including ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday,’ ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘Pride (In the Name of Love).’

As the set neared its end, attendees gathered closer to the stage to sing along. The band finished with ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ and ‘With or Without You’ before returning for a one-song encore of ‘Desire.’

Dolly’s Sandwiches and The Brick Oven Pizza Company, featured in this photo, were among the food trucks drawing steady crowds during the night. Credit: Jack Sutherland | Fort Erie Radio

Dan Strugar, event manager and a member of the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club, told Fort Erie Radio seeing the season come to an end was gratifying.

“It’s just incredibly gratifying personally for myself to see what’s been created here,” Strugar said. “Yes, I facilitate it, but…it’s the community that makes it happen.”

Getting the headlining band to Crystal Beach involved some last-minute complications. Credit: Jack Sutherland | Fort Erie Radio

Strugar said Arms of America flew from Las Vegas on Wednesday but the band was delayed by weather and had to abort a landing before eventually getting on the ground.

He said the band then spent about another 45 minutes on the tarmac before driving directly to Fort Erie.

According to Strugar, the musicians arrived at Sessions on the River around 9:15 p.m. and were plugged in about 15 minutes later for a roughly two-and-a-half-hour rehearsal ahead of Thursday’s performance.

“Total troopers to pull that one off,” Strugar said.

The Supper Market combines weekly live music and food trucks with a licensed bar operated by the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club, with all the money raised donated to local community charities.

Strugar did not yet have a fundraising total for the 2026 season, but said the program has raised just over $18,000 during the past two years.

For Strugar, the weekly event also offered people a chance to get together throughout the summer.

“The summer market is like a break from life for everyone,” he said. “It’s a chance to just unwind and run into old friends, new friends, meet new people, have a great time and just relax.”

Looking across the park as the final crowd began leaving Thursday night, Strugar said the summer had gone quickly.

“I can’t believe we’re actually done,” he said. “It was like just yesterday I was booking bands and booking food trucks, and that was way back in March.”

His final message was considerably shorter: “See you next year.”