Lest you think that Grant Street was going to be left out in the cold this holiday season, the blossoming business district is busy preparing for its own version of a holiday walk. What makes this particular holiday event so special is the incredible momentum that Grant Street continues to build, combined with a confluence of events and activities designed to make an even bigger seasonal splash.
This year there are more businesses involved with the holiday walks and the events that are scheduled to take place on Thursdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 2013. The series will feature local artists and artisans in pop-up venues, as well as a number of brick and mortar mainstays. “There are so so many folks passionate in the revitalization of Grant Street,” says organizer and artisan Rory Calabrese. “This could not be any more evident than in recent yearly events like Peace Love and Grant Street. This year, the Grant-Amherst Business Association graciously hosts the 2nd Annual PopUP Shop on Grant Street near Lafayette. This will occur in many venues on the three Thursdays in December starting December 5th from 4pm-8pm with the Peace Love and Grant Street extravaganza. This all started on a whim last year. Architect Kathleen Kinan, wanting to give tours of her newly renovated properties at 197 Grant Street, and asked local artisans to set up in her gorgeous turn of the century storefront. The festive holiday atmosphere and success of the event was palpable. So this year we are back, bigger and better! For me, this is full circle actually. I own Nature’s Child (in Olcott Beach) and grew up on the corner of Grant and Lafayette over my father’s, Dr. Joseph Calabrese, very bustling doctor’s office. I am thrilled to be back and witnessing the awe of all the new, hip and thriving business taking place on Grant Street!”
Get ready for the 2nd Annual Holiday Pop Up Shop in conjunction with the Grant Street Business Association’s Christmas Open House, and Peace Love and Grant Street. Businesses include:
Press Raw Food & Juice 197 Grant Street
G & L Flooring 200 Grant Street
Black Dots Record Store 223 Grant Street (across from Sweetness 7)
Kathleen Kinan- Architect-197 Grant Street (in back)
Global Villages- 216 Grant Street
Sweetness 7 Café…. to name a few!
*Other surprises planned for December 5, 2013, as part of the Peace Love and Grant extravaganza, include holiday movies at the Grant Street Neighborhood Center, a Contemporary Tea Ceremony at the Buffalo State Community Academic Center, an after party at Gyspy Parlor with Fortune Telling, seasonal and local brews, free hors d’oeuvres, live outdoor music, food trucks, holiday arts and crafts, and an appearance by Santa.
Holiday Pop Up Shop – See Facebook
Peace, Love and Grant Street – See Facebook