The Grant-Amherst Business Association, in association with the Block Watchers, is again sponsoring their popular Rediscover Amherst Street festival.  This year is the Associations 12th Festival, taking place June 20th.  The Association is once again providing a free trolley that will connect the two farthest venues with stops along the way.  

As you walk thru downtown Black Rock, you will find yourself in the midst of urban progress that is redefining Amherst Street.  One of Buffalo's newly rediscovered neighborhoods,  Black Rock has new and exciting progress in the works. 

From the reopening of Dog Days pet daycare center to the development of the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, the area is making a strong comeback.  

BR readers already know the story of the neighborhood efforts to rebuild the 504 building and get one of Buffalo's best breakfast spot, Nick's Place, back in action, in record time, after a late night fire.  The efforts were amazing as well as all local.  From the building's owner, to the general contractor and architect, as well as the tradesmen & suppliers, "buy local" was strictly enforced.  

There is also environmental activism in full swing at Joe's Service Station, under the direction of the next Grant-Amherst Business Association President, Mark Kubiniec.  This year's Scajaquada Creek clean-up, a combined effort between the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers & the Grant-Amherst Business Association, was a terrific success with approximately 300 community volunteers.  Clearly, this neighborhood is invested and making great strides.

The arts scene continues to flourish, led by the areas Cultural Ambassador, Doreen DeBoth of Artsphere Studio & Gallery, and now joined by 464 Gallery's Marcus Wise & Jill Hart.  A new stained glass artist is currently joining the arts district, as well as the The Preservation Studio, with their conversion of the historic Ladder 12.  Loose Lumber Woodworking is currently finalizing their plans for the development of their new home at Engine 36 on Elmwood & Great Arrow.  

The Polish Cadets, anchoring the Grant-Amherst corner, under the direction of their energetic new President, Wendy Higgins, has new life being infused in their organization.  Down the street, the Ukrainian American Civic Center is engaging in community outreach and becoming more of a positive factor in the neighborhood under their new leadership.  

The area anchors continue to be Wegmans, Spars (sausage and more), Kolono's Funeral Home, and, of course, Dwane Hall's Sportsmen's Tavern.  This year, Hall went out on a limb & booked several major national acts, such as music legends Poco, Maria Muldaur, & Asleep at the Wheel. All booking were a great success.  The Honkiest Tonkiest Joint in town continues to flourish with the great local groups such as the Jambalaya Jazz Band, Gretchen Schultz & the Morvells, John & Mary & the Valkries, and Buffalo Polka legends, three time Grammy Award nominees, Jerry Darlac & the Buffalo Touch.

With the cooperation & support of the Mayor's Office, D District of the Buffalo Police Department, and North District Councilmember Joe Golembek, efforts to reduce crime & improve the quality of life are clearly paying off.  

This year, the association's long awaited Black Rock Historic Photo project will have it's public premier, with a narrated slide show, from 11 - 2PM, at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, admission to the show will be free.  At the other end of the festival, St. John's Church will be holding their annual Strawberry Festival.

Festival highlights include the Best Pie in Black Rock Contest.  And rumors are strong that County Legislator, Maria Whyte will be defending her title.  Spar's European Sausage will be holding their 3rd Annual Wiener Eating Contest, and two time past winner, association President, Caleb Basiliko is said to be in training to retire the trophy.  

The arts community will be well represented in the Gallery District, as well as the second Artisan market in the mid block.  There will be live music & entertainment at the Sportsmen's, the 464 West Stage at the Polish Cadets, the 464 East Stage at Casey's, and at Spars.

The festival opens at 10AM, the Parade is at Noon, and festivities wrap up at 6PM.

The after parties continue at the ALT Theater, with their New ALT Performance Group at 7:30PM ( $15 suggested donation ), the Sportsmen's Tavern, 464 Gallery, American Legion Post 1041, and Buffalo's Best Bingo at Assumption Church.

Grant Amherst Business Association Parade at 12 Noon

Best Pie In Black Rock Contest  

Celebrity Judges • Prizes Awarded • Pies Must Be In By 9:30 am  • Judging @ 10:30 am  • Special Catagory for Kids 14 & Under, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Prizes for Each Category

First Prize for Adults is a 15" LCD Television donated by Max Willig Architect & Modern Kitchens of Buffalo Inc.

Prizes Awarded After the Parade at the Assumption Church.  Call Joanna at  863-2154 for details.

Grant Amherst Business Association Trolley :   FREE  1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Grant Amherst Business Association

Annual Collectible Tee Shirt Sale:    50 / 50 Raffle    •    Tickets Available Until 3:30 pm Drawing at 4 pm.  

Grant Amherst Block Watchers:  Baked Goods Sale • Kids Bounce Room At Assumption  • Popcorn For Sale

Wegmans Super Market:  Balloons, Face Painting, & Prize Giveaways on the Front Lawn

Niemiec Builders Supply, Inc:   Handcrafted Bird Feeders & Houses • To Benefit Assumption Church Preservation Fund.

Joe's Service Center:  Hot Dog Sale & Balloons for the Kids

Salon Daneen Bargain Beauty Outlet:  Deep Discounts on Pro Hair, Skin, & Nail Products / $6.95 or 3 for $20 / Buffalo Jugglers

Artsphere Studio & Gallery:  Color the Black Rock Map Contest   ages 6-12 with Prizes • Buffalo Jugglers with Instruction 1-3 pm  / Pottery Sale

Victorian Restorations:  Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest • Prizes Galore • 10 am - 3:00 pm

Spar's European Sausage:  Grilling Famous Sausages 11-3 pm / Live Music by "Rhubarb"

2:00 pm  Wiener Eating Contest • $5.00 Entry Fee • Wiener Takes All......!!!!

Buffalo Fire Department:  1:30 pm Kids Contest For The Fireman Outfit   •  Prizes For Various Age Groups

Maywalt Realty Group  &  464 Gallery Artisan Market:  Sale 10-6 pm

Sportsmen's Tavern:   Live Music @ Family Friendly Musician's Park Outdoor Stage in Rear Yard

Ukrainian American Civic Center:  Ukrainian Menu All Day

Barry's Bar & Grill:  Polish Food Specials   •  Pierogi's $1.00 & Polish Sausage $1.00

Buffalo Religious Arts Center:  $5.00  Hourly Tours 10 - 5 pm   •   St. Francis Xavier Church @ East Street

Dodo the Clown:   Sponsored by Grant Amherst Business Association, Niemiec's, & Victorian Restoration

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt's  "Community Breakfast":  10 am at Polish Cadets Hall

TOPS Supermarket "Food & Fun":  12-5 pm  Food, Ping Pong & Goldfish Games for Kids

Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society 11-2 pm :  Narrated Slideshow of the Historic Black Rock Photo Collection

464 Gallery • All About Buffalo Art Sale: 10-5pm • Opening  6-9pm • Face Painting for Kids • 1-4pm •  NT Art Club & Buffalo Jugglers

464 Gallery Live Music & Entertainment @ Two Stages -

West Stage  @  the Polish Cadet's:  12-6 pm, Alt Theater,  NT Trio,  Davey O,  The Karma Salesmen,  Redwater

East Stage @ Casey's Lot:  1-6pm Shapes of States, Noel Smith, Raymond Lorigo, Kilissa Cissoko from Black Rock, & The Frontline

Black-Rock Riverside & West Side Neighborhood Housing Services:  Information Table

ALT Theater:  New ALT Performance Group 7:30 pm ALTerior Motives Evening Fundraiser  $15 donation

After Parties  @  Sportsmen's Tavern,  464 Gallery,  ALT Theater,  American Legion Post 1041

PRIZES & RAFFLES AWARDED AT 4 pm  • 416 AMHERST STREET