WNYers enjoy food, fun and art at fest

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - A vibrant celebration of Buffalo’s creativity is transforming Elmwood Avenue.

Dozens of artists, performers and craftsmen are showcasing their skills at the annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts.

This weekend marks the 13th annual Elmwood Festival of the Arts from Lafayette to West Ferry, that will continue from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday. One of the draws is the atmosphere and the Kisfest.

Kidfest Co Chairperson Tanya Zabinksi said, “It’s family oriented so it’s for people of all ages”

Parade tent organizer Krissy Marfoglia said, “There are going to be all sorts of jugglers, musicians, dancers. The kids just love being a part of that and feeling like they are right in the center and it’s just a great way to celebrate the community and the neighborhood.”

Buffalo resident Georgia Militello said, “I come to this every year. I really like the artists that come back every year because they always have new and exciting things. There is also more artists joining. It’s a great festival, I come every year.”

Eighty percent of the vendors are from western New York and 95 percent from New York State. 100,000 people are expected to come through the festival.

Zabinski said, “It’s not corporate. It’s grassroots. It was started by a group of artists. It’s all volunteer run so no one is out to make a big buck. It’s people just out of the goodness of their hearts running this.”

Since it is run by the artists, they know what they like to see in festivals. They can’t control the weather, though and Saturday ended up being very hot, but that didn’t stop anyone.

Militello said, “I’m going to jump in a sprinkler in about five minutes. I saw a sprinkler in front of the church and I was going to go in there. But nothing keeps me away.”