Ryan teams up with community partners to sponsor Elmwood Village Art Fest Kids Zone

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan announced he is partnering with the Elmwood Village Association and Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church to present the Elmwood Village Art Fest Kids Zone. Indoor and outdoor activities will be offered from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27, at Lafayette Church. They will be hosted by volunteers from the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the Buffalo Zoo, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and the Elmwood Village Association.

Saturday’s activities include arts and crafts, a visit from Buffalo Zoo ambassador animals, and a West African drum performance at 2 p.m. On Sunday, kids can take part in face painting and enjoy the “Y on the Fly” mobile experience from the YMCA.

The inaugural Elmwood Village Art Fest will take place on Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway. The festival will have entertainment and activities beginning at 11 a.m. each day, including food trucks, live music, a hot dog eating contest, and much more. More details are available at elmwoodvillageartfestival.com.

Ryan said, “The new Elmwood Village Art Fest is going to have something for everyone, and I’m excited to be part of the inaugural event. This is a great chance to support Western New York’s artists and local businesses. I encourage everyone to stop by, celebrate with us, and help make the weekend a massive success!”

Therese Deutschlander, board president of the Elmwood Village Association, said, “The Elmwood Village Association is thrilled to present this brand-new festival, and the Kids Zone is at the heart of it. We are so grateful to the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church and Sen. Ryan’s office for working with us to bring this fun, interactive and educational component to our festival, making it a great family friendly event.”

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church Pastor Jamie Owens said, “Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church is proud to be a part of the Elmwood Village community and blessed to be a part of this event. Feeding our children in body, mind and spirit is our call, and, along with EVA and Sen. Ryan’s office, that is what we attend to do.”

Buffalo Common Councilmember David Rivera said, “I am thrilled to see that there will be a Kids Zone at the Elmwood Village Art Fest; getting kids interested in the arts and keeping them interested benefits both the youth and the community alike.”

Buffalo Common Councilmember Joel Feroleto said, “It is exciting to see what our community can do when we all come together. With all of the activities planned, the Elmwood Village Art Fest is going to make for a great weekend out for people of all ages.”