Excitement building for Collectors & Artisans Expo
Dozens of vendors selling collectibles, memorabilia, original artwork and a wide variety of handcrafted items will fill the Collectors & Artisans Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10, in the Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, Buffalo. Admission is just $2, and all proceeds collected at the door will benefit Mount Mercy Academy, Bishop Timon - St. Jude High School and the historic Irish Center.
Taking place in the heart of Buffalo’s Irish Heritage District just one week before St. Patrick’s Day, the event will also feature two local and well-known Irish authors — Sinead Tyrone of Cheektowaga and John McGlarry of Boston — who will be among the vendors.
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 stop by 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!
Cheektowaga artist Ken Newton, who was recently commissioned to create a painting of former Buffalo Bills great Fred Jackson for the WGR Fred Jackson Roast, will also participate as a vendor in the Collectors & Artisans Expo.
“This event will feature something for everyone, young and old,” said Joe Kirchmyer of West Seneca, organizer of the event. “Featured items will include handcrafted wood products, antiques, original paintings, sea glass art, embroidered and crochet items, sports cards and memorabilia, photography, model cars, comic books, music and theatre memorabilia, wood signs, Buffalo-themed items, books, toys, pet accessories, wreaths, artistic growler covers, metal art and much more!”
Volunteers from the nonprofit animal shelter Pet Connection Programs Inc. from 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.
Copies of the recently released book “My Pet Connection: Inspirational ‘Tails’ of Adoption,” will be available at the event at a discounted price of just $10! Written by Joe Kirchmyer and published by Buffalo-based NFB Publishing, this heartwarming book features personal stories from more than 80 individuals and families who have adopted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from Pet Connection Programs Inc.
All paid attendees will receive a free pack of vintage baseball cards at the door while supplies last. Children under 10 will be admitted free with a paying adult.
The Buffalo Irish Center is the cultural home of the Irish-American community of Buffalo and Western New York. Founded in 1970 by St. Patrick's GAA and the Knights of Equity, the Center today serves more than a dozen Irish organizations and their members. For additional details, please visit www.buffaloirishcenter.com.
For more information on the Collectors & Artisans Expo, please visit www.facebook.com/Collectors-Expo-162985497593654. For vendor information, please email Joe Kirchmyer at jkirchmyer@verizon.net.
