Buffalo’s Broadway Market in Full Swing this Holiday Season
By Dean Whitcomb
Villager Staff
Still looking for a family activity for this Easter Season? Still have a few goodies on your list for basket stuffers? Don’t worry, you don’t have to look far and you’re not out of time…yet! Just make a short drive up to Buffalo, NY to Broadway Market. You’ll not only find all of your Easter needs, but much, much more!
According to the market’s website, “Broadway Market is 121 years old. Started by a group of citizens on a city donated parcel 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.“
Over time, the market has expanded and now covers an entire block, bordered by Broadway, Lombard, and Gibson Streets. From its inception, the market became a place to find many “exotic delicacies as dates from Africa, black olives from Spain, cheeses from Italy, smoked salmon, jellied eels, rare wines and Kosher concoctions, among other unusual and fine products.”
Three different “physical structures” have been the home of Broadway Market in its 121 years. “The first 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 market. A third structure built in 1956, is the market’s current home, and has 90,000-square feet of retailing with two levels of free parking for 1,000 cars. In the mid-1980′s the City undertook a multi-million dollar renovation of the building which improved both lighting and access.”
Although famous for its “old world shopping” atmosphere and experience, along with its reputation for selling exotic goods, there really is no time of year quite like the Easter season at Broadway Market! During this season, the market showcases several live acts and performances from local performers. The Easter Bunny himself makes a trip to the market daily throughout the season to see all of the children that make their way through in time for Easter Sunday!
And it doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, April 16th 2011 at 1:00 P.M, Broadway Market will hold “The 3rd Annual Broadway Market Peep Eating Contest. Registration and sign in starts at 9 A.M. at the Information Table on day of the event. Participation in the contest is free, but space is limited, so sign up today…For more information, call the Broadway Market Office at 893-0705. Children 6 years and younger can participate in the Mini Marshmallow Eating Contest, in which rules allow for only one marshmallow to be eaten at a time.”
It truly is a site and an experience to behold. Broadway Market is a must-see for you and your family, and is especially so during this Easter Season! Take a family day-trip today and see what all the hype is about! For more information on Broadway Market, a full schedule of upcoming live performances, or for any other inquiries, visit www.broadwaymarket.org
