There should be more wine festivals in this city considering the number of wineries in our region (US and Canada). I know that a lot of events incorporate regional wines into the mix, but there are only a few events that really showcase the industry. It would be great to see a major outdoor wine festival at Canalside in coming years. Thankfully there are current events that pay tribute to our burgeoning wine scene. One such event is the October Wine Festival that is taking place on October 14 and 15 from 10am-5pm at the Broadway Market.
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Wineries from the Lake Erie Wine Country and the Niagara Escarpment will be in attendance. Specialty food vendors will also be on-hand, along with all of your daily market favorites. Don't forget that there are other times to head to the Broadway Market other than just for the holidays (as in Easter). For those of you who have never been there, or who have not been in a long time, there are some real finds inside, such as Perison's Restaurant and Niagara Popcorn (click here if you're not familiar with the businesses).
The Broadway Market is an institution in WNY. As ongoing market initiatives continue to percolate, there are those who envision this market as a regional destination reminiscent of its former economic prosperity. The old images of the market are warm and inviting compared to the modern day cookie-cutter market design. If the Broadway Market was to recapture its forsaken outward appearance, then chances are it would be reinvigorated with customers who long for original 'street-side vendor' character. In the meantime, events such as the October Wine Festival are aimed to bring in different clienteles who might not normally visit the market.
Events like this can save the market. Its a large space with ample parking. If they start being a little creative they can make it worth it to locate there.
There is so much empty space there I would really like to see the city offer free space to those you want to sell food or apparell but lack the funds to have a brick an mortar location to start out. Once your offseason 6 months is up you have to start paying full rent. If even 2-3% a year end up full time tenants its a win. If you get enough full time spots taken up some of those who make a killing at easter may hold on to thier spots.
This could be a win win, foster creative upstarts and lead to a permanent location. Ever week those lined off yellow spaces sit empty is a lost opportunity, think an empty seat at a sports game or an empty seat on a flight. You never get that opportunity back.
I will be at this event look forward to more things like this at the market.