City July 16, 2012 10:33 AM

Farmers' Market for a day in Black Rock

Farmers’ Market for a day in Black Rock
On Saturday August 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Market Square Park on the corner of Niagara Street and Amherst Street, there will be a farmers market set up for just one day. The purpose of the one-day market is to bring the neighborhood together to celebrate summer and the local bounty that it provides. It's also a chance for young entrepreneurs to get a sense as to what it's like to set up and sell... there will be neighborhood vendors as well as workshops throughout the day. The market coincides with the Black Rock and Riverside Tour of Gardens.

If you're familiar with Market Square Park, then you know how perfectly situated it is. It's the best spot for a community event of this sort. In fact, I would think that this park would be the perfect place for events throughout the summer - live music, food festivals, cultural performances, etc. I love the fact that there is a farmers' market setting up... if even for a day. The market will feature freshly grown fruits and vegetables, home-baked goods, and handmade crafts. There will also be a Veggie Swap that day! 

Massachusetts Avenue Project will be on-hand along with the Buffalo State College Business Center, Westminster Economic Development Initiative, and Fancy and Delicious Bakery, in order to present workshops and provide information for anyone looking to grow a business. Whether you're just visiting for the food, or selling at the market, help to spread the word that this corner will be the place to be on August 4.

West Side NHS will continue to accept applications for vendors through July 24, but space is limited so sign up soon. Sign up online now.
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three cheers to the people of black rock! the energy there is really inspirational. this is a neighborhood that has caught on that there is no "they" who will come in and fix everything for you. there is only you, and when you take the reins in your own neighborhood, excellent things happen.

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Thanks grad, we certainly have a wealth of committed neighbors and activists. Black Rock has always been a "can do" neighborhood where people are willing to work together to get things done. We don't wait for the city or others to fix everything, we take responsibility for our neighborhood and invest our own time, energy, and dollars to make a difference. That said, we are always looking to attract more residents and welcome all good people. There a few homes for sale in the Market Square area that have much potential for the right buyer. I would be happy to share information with any interested parties.

replied to grad94
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I can't wait! I'll be the guy in the Che Guevara t-shirt with the weathered copy of "The Catcher in the Rye" hanging out of my back pocket.

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I recently saw a show on TV that showed that many cities were having their Markets at night.

It allows more people to shop in the evening and the farmers themselves can be there instead of working in the fields. Music and cocktails were also an added element, and it was a way to beat the hot US temperatures we have been seeing.

I Would love to see one of market's happen at night in Buffalo, how about Black Rock setting the trend?

http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/night-farmers-markets.html

Score: 6 ( 6 votes ) Vote up Vote down Report this comment

It is quite fitting to hold a farmers market here, the two linear parks flanking both sides of Amherst Street at Niagara were once the public market of the Village of Lower Black Rock. The Market Square was donated to the people of Black Rock by General Peter B. Porter in 1830 and is the oldest extant public market in the City of Buffalo. The park anchors the lower end of the Market Square Historic District (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011). The park also contains two new interpretive panels detailing the Historic District and the rich history of Lower Black Rock.

This part of Black Rock is the historic core with the city's largest concentration of homes built prior to 1850. It is also the one of the most stable parts of the neighborhood. We have just completed a five+ year effort to recognize this long under appreciated neighborhood. We have installed 12 historic markers in the immediate area as well as additional markers relating to the War of 1812 on Squaw Island. A mural was also completed at Amherst St at Tonawanda St and a traveling history exhibit was developed. For those coming to the farmers market, take a few minutes and explore this little known but very historic part of Buffalo.

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I lived on Farmer St. in the 50's - glad to see Black Rock is becoming vibrant again!!!

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My wife and I live a dozen houses from that location. My sister and her husband, already living nearby, convinced us to move into the area four years ago. Since we made the move to Black Rock, we have all seen the great progress on Amherst street and in our neighbors homes. In the last couple of years, I have seen a large lot kitty-corner from our homes turned into a fantastic community garden, where neighbors meet and help realize a common goal. We have worked to make our yards better each year for ourselves, our neighbors, and the garden walk. The synergy of the garden walk and farmers market is a fantastic idea. Please visit the market and if you have time, view some gardens in the area. For some, it might be surprising to see the beauty and history of the area, for others, it will simply be another day in beautiful Black Rock

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