Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., local businesses and community members joined for the Elmwood Village Farmers Market on Bidwell Parkway and Elmwood Avenue. Approximately a 13-minute walk from campus, the market is easily accessible for students to explore the local community.

Fall harvest is in full force, with a variety of farms selling fresh produce. The block was adorned with locally grown fruits and vegetables. Other cooking items such as homemade pasta, honey, and unique mushrooms were also available. Apart from food, potted plants and fresh cut flowers were bountiful. Whether you prefer a pre-made bouquet, dried flowers that last a year, or to unlock your own creativity and make a bouquet, the market has it all.

Plenty of ready-to-eat breakfast items were also provided at the market, ranging from baked goods to coffee and even pickles. If you’re looking for a sit-down breakfast, across the street is Buffalo’s oldest independently owned cafe, Cafe Aroma. Cafe Aroma continues to serve as a place of gathering for the community, adding to the welcoming environment of the market.

Strolling through the market, the passion of the community is evident. Personalized cat-paintings were available along with other paintings, and musicians lounged against trees, picking the strings of their guitars. Tables were lined with pre-loved books, and the book shop, Talking Leaves, sits across the street, next to Cafe Aroma.

Scoop Shop Consignment, the oldest consignment shop in Buffalo, running since 1945, arrived in their “Wandering Wonder Bus.” Inside, a variety of preloved clothing is displayed, along with paintings and jewelry. More jewelry could be found just 20 feet away, where Aeris Metal Works displayed its pieces.

Along with being a place of community, the market also acted as a place for political voices to be heard. Multiple pro-Palestinian and anti-MAGA peaceful protestors could be seen wearing flags and holding signs. Supportive cars beeped as they passed, and pedestrians made their remarks in support of or against. The opportunity to speak one’s opinion and spark valuable conversation was put to use.

The market has taken place weekly since May 10, and will continue until Nov. 29. Visiting the market acts as a way to experience the many local businesses and community members of the area in one scene.