The second Collectors & Artisans Expo, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10 in the Buffalo Irish Center — just one week prior to St. Patrick’s Day — will have a distinctive Irish feel and flavor. The Irish Center is located at 245 Abbott Road in Buffalo’s Irish Heritage District.
Several vendors participating in the event will feature Irish-themed products. Also participating will be two Irish authors, Sinead Tyrone of Cheektowaga and John McGlarry of Boston, N.Y. And, the Irish Center’s kitchen staff will be offering dining specials during the event, including a corned beef or roast beef sandwich and a pint for $12, or a bowl of Westport potato soup for just $4.
The Buffalo Irish Center celebrates the role Irish-Americans had in the development of the City of Buffalo. The building, surrounded by Irish-named streets, was established by immigrants as a social gathering place and over the years has evolved into a unique heritage center focused on the Irish culture.
The Collectors & Artisans Expo will feature a wide variety of local items such as handcrafted products, sports cards and memorabilia, photography, model cars, comic books, music and theatre memorabilia, antiques, original paintings, sea glass art, embroidered and crochet items, wood signs, Buffalo-themed items, books, toys, pet accessories, wreaths, artistic growler covers, metal art, hand-painted glass and much more!
Water Valley Antiques will provide antique appraisals throughout the day. The cost is just $2 per item, or $5 for a maximum of three appraisals.
Members of the Buffalo Bandettes, the dance team for the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse team, will visit from 11 a.m. to noon to sign autographs and pose for photos wth fans. Everyone’s favorite local mascot, Buster Bison, will make a special appearance at the event from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Bring the kids, and bring a camera!
Volunteers from the nonprofit animal shelter Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla will also be on hand to sell their hugely popular Doggie Bags and Cat Totes filled with treats and other surprises for our four-legged friends. The dog bags are $10 while the cat bags are just $5, and all proceeds raised through the tote bag sale will support the shelter and future rescues.
All paid attendees will receive a free pack of vintage baseball cards at the door while supplies last. Admission is just $2; children under 10 will be admitted free with a paying adult. All proceeds collected at the door will be donated to Bishop Timon – St. Jude High School, Mount Mercy Academy and the Buffalo Irish Center.
For more information on the Collectors & Artisans Expo, please visit www.facebook.com/Collectors-Expo-162985497593654 or email Joe Kirchmyer at jk********@ve*****.net.
