Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market opens in East Aurora

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market opens in East Aurora

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market opens new location at 650 Main Street in East Aurora

John Pirrone and Scott DeMott, owners of RUSTIC BUFFALO ARTISAN MARKET, continue to grow as they bring RUSTIC BUFFALO ARTISAN MARKET, their second
location, to the quaint village of East Aurora.


Their current location, located at 6610 Shawnee Road, North Tonawanda NY is bursting at the seams with over 110 local, award winning Artisan’s work and now employing close to 16 team members during their busiest times and this expansion will add jobs and opportunities to the
community.


Pirrone & DeMott’s business, RUSTIC BUFFALO ARTISAN MARKET is a rather unique model, bringing together local Artisans from WNY to showcase and sell their goods. Most
items in the market are hand-made by local Artisans with some beautiful wholesale home décor and textiles meshed in, making it a shopper’s delight. DeMott, co-owner, comments that “The opening of RUSTIC BUFFALO ARTISAN MARKET’s second location in East Aurora provides a solution for those customers who have always wanted to experience this Northtown treasure and provide our team of Artisans the ability to show and sell their work to other regions within Western New York”.


RUSTIC BUFFALO offers an array of Decor items such as Farmhouse, Rustic, Buffalo Themed, Vintage and Shabby Chic. The East Aurora store, although smaller, will provide a taste of Rustic Buffalo to the Southtowns community hoping most will be equally eager to explore their 8,000 Square foot campus, made up of 4 buildings, in North Tonawanda.


Some of what you will see in East Aurora are one of a kind finds where there are thousands of items such as Custom Signs. Floral, Antiques, Handmade Jewelry, Re-purposed Furniture, Hand-poured Candles, Textiles/Clothing, Metal Art, Concrete Art, Photography, Handmade Soaps & Scrubs, Pet Accessories, Pillows, Barn Art, Glass Art and Buffalo-themed Gourmet Foods.


Their pantry area of the East Aurora store will be stocked with everyone’s favorites such as Lewiston Jellies, Grandma Pauline’s Gourmet Dips, 3 Sisters Garlic, Gourmet popcorn, local salsa, BBQ sauces, Teds Hot Dog sauce, fresh fudge, Rustic Buffalo’s ground coffee, an old-time candy area and much more. They will even stock the original Swiss Chalet Sauce that everyone loved and adored back in the day.


In addition, Rustic Buffalo brings a very special addition to East Aurora as they have redesigned the alley between 650 and 652 Main Street in the village naming it “Artisan Alley” where you’ll find some great local outdoor artwork to dress up the access to the village. The Artwork is photo-worthy, and you may be so inclined to even snap a selfie.

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is open year-round, 7 Days a week at both their North Tonawanda location and now, their East Aurora Store. The owners believe it’s important that
they have consistent hours in both locations, especially since East Aurora is a destination and are thrilled at the community’s support.


In 2022, over 110,000 customers visited Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market. If you have yet to experience Rustic Buffalo, you do not know what you are missing! Not to mention you are
supporting local business and local Artisans.


RUSTIC BUFFALO ARTISAN MARKET is not only a SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, but they are a DESTINATION!


Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is located at 650 Main Street, East Aurora NY and their campus at 6610 Shawnee Road in North Tonawanda.

Honoring East Aurora Lacrosse Coach Bob Erickson

Honoring East Aurora Lacrosse Coach Bob Erickson

East Aurora Lacrosse Coach Bob Erickson to be honored March 16 at 4 p.m. with a Special Presentaton at East Aurora High School

 

Join us in celebrating Bob and his contribution to community sports

Lake Affect Magazine, East Aurora Classic Ice Rink, the East Aurora Lacrosse Association, and the East Aurora Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce a special presentation on March 16th at 4:00 pm in the Athletic Wing of the East Aurora High School, honoring local lacrosse coach Bob Erickson for his contribution to community sports and the youth of Western New York.

Bob Erickson is an East Aurora based sports enthusiast and activist who has over thirty years of involvement in Western New York lacrosse. Bob has coached at the modified JV and varsity levels since 1999, and he is a founding member and Vice President of the East Aurora Lacrosse Association. Bob’s contributions to the local lacrosse community include starting a lacrosse program at East Aurora High School, establishing the village’s first summer youth program, and founding the East Aurora Boys and Girls Club Modified Lacrosse Program.

Bob was chosen by Lake Affect as a subject for its 2022 Imagining Sports: A Celebration of
Community Sports through the Lens of Fine Art inaugural collection and an original portrait by  Buffalo area artist Chuck Tingley. Now, a framed fine art print will be presented to the East Aurora High School to ensure that current and future students know Coach Erikson’s story and will be inspired to follow in his footsteps.

Chuck Tingley is a Buffalo-based visual artist who relies heavily on the human figure as the
subject matter for his drawings, paintings, and murals. Chuck’s work has been featured in
exhibitions in Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and he has been awarded commissions for public murals Buffalo, Lewiston, and Niagara Falls, NY. Chuck currently maintains a studio in the Clinton Bailey neighborhood in Buffalo.

Poplar Hill Estate holds first Barn Bridal Show

Poplar Hill Estate holds first Barn Bridal Show

Poplar Hill Estate to hold first Barn Bridal Show on Oct. 19.

 

Poplar Hill Estate in East Aurora is holding their first open house event with a Barn Bridal Show on Wednesday, Oct. 19! This event will have a little bit of everything!

Poplar Hill Estate is located at 1216 Quaker Road in East Aurora. The Barn Bridal Show will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. 

This is a free event. If you register through THIS LINK you’ll receive a free drink ticket. 

Wondering why this bridal show will be different from others? The biggest thing about this show is that they are using this to showcase their venue and create a fun night for everyone to be involved in rather than going booth to booth, picking up business cards, and going to the next one. Here’s what you can expect!

  • One tent will have out farm tables set up with different arrangement options to give couples a visual idea of what they can do with their gorgeous tables.
  • Vendors will be on the main floor of the barn and remaining tent space.
  • Vendors will also be in their loft space.
  • Vendors will be outside in food trucks – with free samples of course and food for purchase for those extra hungry.
  • Door prizes donated by several vendors.
  • Photo props and stations are being donated by several vendors.
  • Ceremony chairs will be displayed to get the full effect of our ceremony area.
  • Carriage house will be for registration and the Man Cave will have a cigar roller with free samples.
  • Drinks…of course.
  • Corn hole will be set up on the front lawn for all to enjoy.

Wondering who’s going to be there for vendors? Follow Poplar Hill on Instagram and Facebook and find out! They are posting daily announcing vendors, door prizes, and special day of deals you won’t want to miss! 

This event has something for everyone weather you are looking for a wedding venue, wedding vendors, or just want a nice night out! Their grounds are stunning, and you are sure to meet some amazing people. Come mingle with other people, vendors, and the Poplar Hill family and have a great evening! 

WHO’S READY TO HAVE SOME FUN! The Poplar Hill family is excited to meet you!

 

Guild Eyewear Studio

Guild Eyewear Studio

Guild Eyewear Studio offers a refreshed & refined take on eyecare

Grand opening to be held Saturday, Oct. 8

A new eyecare business offering a new, stylized take on traditional eyecare is opening in East Aurora, NY. 

Guild Eyewear Studio offers a refreshed and refined eyecare experience for everyone who walks in the door, according to owner Dr. Ashley Szalkowski. “I decided to open Guild Eyewear Studio because I was frustrated with the current standards set by the eye care industry. I wanted to create an atmosphere that made shopping for eyewear enjoyable, and I wanted to provide my patients with exceptional service,” she said. 

Guild Eyewear Studio, located at 48 Douglas Lane, will be holding a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. The public is welcome to attend and check out East Aurora’s newest business.

The village holds a special place in Szalkowski’s heart. “I chose East Aurora for the community. From the moment I decided to open Guild I knew East Aurora would provide the perfect location,” she said. “I love the way the community supports their local businesses. The concept for Guild was focused on quality over quantity and I felt that would resonate well with the East Aurora community.” 

Guild Eyewear Studio offers routine eye care, eye exams, contact lens fittings, and a fantastic selection of eyewear, which is hand selected with a focus on independent brands.  “I was careful in choosing what eyewear brands we partnered with as I wanted to bring our customers a unique selection of eyewear they won’t find at other offices in the area. You’ll find our eyewear is fashion-forward with exceptional quality and affordable pricing.” 

Szalkowski will also be adding a Dry Eye Spa to her lineup of services. The Dry Eye Spa will feature OptiLight, a revolutionary IPL therapy to treat dry eyes. Guild Eyewear Studio is the first to offer this service in Western New York.

Szalkowski is a WNY native. She studied at the State University of New York at Fredonia and completed her optometric training at The New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. After graduation, she spent several years working in ophthalmology and has extensive  experience co-managing cataract and LASIK surgeries. She has worked in several private practices in the area providing  routine eye exams and contact lens fittings. 

Guild Eyewear Studio is currently open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours will be expanding this month and appointments outside normal business hours are also available.