By Mark P. Lazzara:
On October 18, 2013, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., the Broadway Market’s 125th Anniversary committee is hosting The Broadway Market 125th Anniversary Gala. The event will highlight the history and cuisine of the Market, and come alive with old world charm, brand new merchants, plenty of good food and spirits, and lots of entertainment in honor of the city’s oldest and most recognized market. Located at 999 Broadway near Fillmore Avenue, the Broadway is easy to find and offers an abundance of FREE, covered and secured parking.
Friends of the Broadway Market and Broadway Market event organizers are looking forward to the Market’s 125th Anniversary Gala, and hope those traditional holiday shoppers will take time to come and be part and parcel of this milestone celebration.
The Broadway Market’s anniversary year continues to be marked by a series of happenings that enhance the history and ambiance of the Market and entice market patrons with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering edibles, fun activities, and an assortment of live entertainment.
“I was thrilled to be here for the 100th Anniversary,” stated Melanie Krygier- Lamastra, operator of Melanie’s Sweets, “but I am elated to be here for the 125th!” Melanie’s Sweets is providing cannoli for the event and is even creating the 125th Anniversary Cake.
Gala attendees will enjoy tender prime beef on Roast Beef on Weck sandwiches prepared by Lupas, who has been a Broadway Market merchant for over 40 years. Camellia’s will provide full-flavored traditional smoked Polish Sausage and Ham. Paula’s Pierogi homemade right at the market will also be served; and a brand new anchor restaurant, Potts Deli, will serve traditional savory Golumbki and hors d’oeuvres. Strawberry Island will serve up its mouth watering chocolate covered fruits, a Broadway Market favorite! 999 Broadway punch and Polish Beer will be served.
“This event is poised to be one of the most exciting and memorable occasions happening on the Eastside in long, long time, “ commented Sophie Baj, President of the Friends of the Broadway Market.
“My family is pleased to have provided three generations of Buffalonians with the highest of quality meats,” stated Michele Lupas-Rozanski .
Aniela Thant offered her personal pride stating “ I’m proud to have been able to serve as Chair of the 125th anniversary of the Broadway Market, and especially proud to co-chair the 125th Anniversary gala that is a once in a lifetime special event.
“My Dad and I are happy to be the newest permanent anchor vendor in the Broadway Market,” said Kim Potts-Kacala, owner of Potts Deli. “The 125th Anniversary is helping to energize the Market, we are hopeful that market is ready to be revived.”
As immigrants flocked to the Eastside of Buffalo in the late 1800s, they looked for the continuation of old world customs in their new and unfamiliar environment. The Broadway Market proved to serve those needs quite well.
The Broadway Market was started by a group of citizens on a city-donated parcel of land at 999 Broadway. In 1888, The Broadway Market quickly became a community meeting place–a place ideal for combining business with socializing, and for sharing with one another the latest in gossip and news from the old world.
Although the Broadway Market site has undergone-numerous changes, three different physical structures in fact, the old-fashioned concept of selling farm fresh, exotic, and unusual products has remained unchanged since the Market’s earliest days.
The first Broadway Market structure burned down at the turn of the century. It was replaced by a high ceiling building, without heat, but twice as large as the original space. A third structure built in 1956, and is the current location for the Market. The venue has 90,000-square feet of retail space with two levels of free parking that can accommodate 1,000 cars. In the mid-1980’s the City of Buffalo invested in a multi-million dollar renovation of the building that improved both lighting and public access.
Renown for its ethnic, old world shopping atmosphere, the Broadway Market’s fresh food merchant base is comprised of family-owned, family-operated butcher shops, poultry stands, fruit and vegetable stands as well as bakeries.
“Buffalo is experiencing unprecedented growth, The Broadway Market is poised to benefit from that growth, “ stated Adam Cichocki, of Owner of Camillas Meats, the vendor that is also providing authentic Kielbasa for the gala.
125th BROADWAY MARKET ANNIVERSARY GALA!
Broadway Market, 999 Broadway Avenue (near Fillmore), Buffalo, 14212
Sat. October 18, 6 pm – 9 pm. Admission: $75 a pair or $50 per person.