Main Street Came Alive: The Recap The Main Block Party

The weather started off a little shaky for The Main Block Party, but Buffalo knows how that goes. Give it a minute! The clouds eventually cleared, the sun came out, and what started questionable turned into a beautiful day in Downtown Buffalo.

I had the opportunity to host alongside Schondra as Main Street between Chippewa and Huron at Fountain Plaza became one big celebration of Buffalo.

And there was A LOT happening.

The Main Block Party: BFR | Through His Lens

Presented by Buffalo Fashion Runway with M&T Bank through the Meet Me Downtown initiative serving as presenting sponsor, the Block Party brought together more than 75 businesses, organizations, food vendors and experience partners.

This wasn’t an event where you were supposed to stand in one place all day. You had the Main St. Market filled with local entrepreneurs and businesses. Food from Taste of Haiti, Munchiez Desserts, Breezy Bowl Acai, Lloyd Taco Food Truck and more. There were activities for the kids, giveaways, Double Dutch, chess and even the Hatchet & Hops Axe Cage.

The Main Block Party: BFR | Through His Lens

One of my favorite parts was seeing the Back-to-School Giveaway providing custom bookbags filled with school supplies in collaboration with Rise From Nothing.

Then around 3 PM, it was time to switch gears.

You already know Buffalo Fashion Runway couldn’t throw a Block Party without giving us some FASHION!

Designer after designer hit the runway, showcasing the creativity that exists right here in our city. GOPLAE, Everything Ain’t for Everybody, GarmentsbyXander, Flextington Fashion, Traumatic Co, Swanko’s Inc., Uprax, LaVie Factory, Plain Only Clothing and XII XXI were all part of the activation.

And the runway even crossed over into city government!

Councilmember Leah Halton-Pope closed out the Fashion Activation with her walk before addressing the crowd, followed by a special mayoral moment. Then we went right back into the music with local performers taking over the stage.

That’s what I appreciated most about the day. It wasn't just fashion. It wasn't just music. It wasn't just food. It was Buffalo. Small businesses, creatives, designers, musicians, families, community organizations and people who simply wanted to enjoy their city all shared Main Street together.

That is what happens when we go Beyond the Threads. Congratulations to BFR!