Buffalo, New York – The Broadway Market, long Buffalo’s “go-to” place for its distinctive selection of Eastern European foods, farm-fresh produce and mouth-watering baked-goods, is set to expand its international appeal with its first-ever Christmas Food Fair. Details of this exciting inaugural event will be announced at the Broadway Market on Friday September 28 at 11:30A.M. British developer Bashar Issa, who is currently spearheading a $130 million restoration of the former Buffalo Statler Hilton hotel, is the lead sponsor for the Christmas Food Fair through his BSC Group. In recent months, Mr. Issa has expressed considerable interest in the historic Central Terminal. After a tour last week of the Broadway Market and Corpus Christi Church, he sees even more potential for the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. Mr. Issa, who is currently out of the country, will be represented by George Hamberger, Chief Operating Officer of the BSC Group, at the September 28th press conference at the market.
The Christmas Food Fair will be held at the Broadway Market on Friday November 23 and Saturday November 24 of Thanksgiving Weekend. Although relatively unknown in the U.S., Christmas markets are wildly popular in cities across Europe. This centuries-old tradition creates a cheery antidote for the cold and snow of December, with an event that invites the community to gather and share in the joyful spirit of the season.
Beyond the Eastern European foods that have made the market famous, the Christmas Food Fair will feature ethnic specialties from around the world, as well as unique gift items from local artisans and shops. By scheduling the Food Fair on the traditional kick-off weekend to the Christmas shopping season, organizers Sandy Starks and Carol Bronnenkant hope to replicate the phenomenal success of the Broadway Market at Easter, when more than 300,000 visitors throng the East Side icon for their butter lambs, Polish sausage and other delicacies that are so much a part of the Easter tradition. As noted by Ms. Starks, “So many ex-pats come home for Thanksgiving. The Christmas Food Fair will give them a reason to visit the Market, sample some of their favorite Buffalo foods, and get a jump-start on their holiday purchases, all while supporting local businesses.”
The Broadway Market is still accepting applications from vendors interested in selling food items or hand-crafted gifts, as well as musical groups to perform during the Christmas Food Fair. For more information, visit the website at www.christmas.broadwaymarket.com or call 716/893-0705
