By Mark Lazzara:
The 125th Broadway Market Holiday season got off to a fine start with a German themed KrisKringleMart fulfilling a 70-year tradition of Santa’s arrival on a fire truck. Buffalo Fire Department Engine #3 was gracious to give Santa’s reindeer a break while appearing at the Broadway greeting by scores of smiling children and carolers singing “Here Comes Santa Claus.” provide the heralded ride.
“I cant help but think, after 125 years of local merchants providing the ingredients for a wonderful Holiday experience and feasts, the local vendors are still going strong, Santa was greeted by so many children as he arrived it was heartwarming.” stated Sophie Baj, President of the Friend of the Broadway Market.
The long Polish and German Heritage of the Broadway Market dates back a hundred twenty five years. In the early days of the market most of the merchant’s were of German Heritage, and it was shortly thereafter when Polish immigrants began arriving.
Many of the first Christmas stories from the Broadway Market vendors and new immigrants are expressions of Holiday gratitude. For example, the German shopkeepers were pleased the Polish immigrants would not use or want credit; they paid for their holiday purchases in cash even when buying live chickens, turkeys or kielbasa – and kept the cash flow going for vendors.
Broadway Market is once again bubbling over with local traditional Winter/ Springs vendors returning to the market with their wares every weekend until Easter. Every Saturday in December at the Market will be buzzing with excitement with Santa’s Wonderland and various musical performances. The week of December 9th – 13th features holiday lunch concerts performed by Buffalo Public School children from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The week of December 21st and 22nd showcases the Market‘s Holiday train show, a splendid display for both the young and young at heart to enjoy. The previous train show attracted hundreds of people to the Market, many for the first time outside of the Easter season. The following week will include a lecture on St Ann’s at noon, finish strong with two public performances of the Kielbasa Diaries, the first beginning at 3 p.m.
“The 25th anniversary committee has worked hard to re energize the traditions of the Broadway Market; and this season is going to the busiest Christmas season in decades.” – Aniela Thant, Chair of the Market 125th Anniversary Committee.