SPREE INSIDER Simply the best (of WNY) By Mary Georger After months of teasing sunshine bursts mocked by disappointing downpours that seem only to shower on the days of family barbecues, the months of July and August should qualify as solid summer bliss. It should be a time when our toughest decisions for the day are whether to wear shorts or Capri pants, to lather SPF 15 or 30, and to eat out or in. And while we encourage perpetual lawn chair-lounging and summer cocktail-sipping in the comfort of your own background, we also urge you to get out and take advantage of Buffalo’s summer spectacles while you can. July and August’s Spree-sponsored events include the Zoo’s Wines in the Wild, our own Best of Western New York party, and the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. This is the third year for our best-of gala at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. On August 21, attendees can witness the big reveal: Spree’s 2008 Best of WNY winners, ranging from the best public golf course to Buffalo’s best radio station. It’s a chance to both celebrate the winners and salute all who help make this area great. The night will feature a wine tasting by Palm Bay Imports and music by Deja Blu. Oh, and there’s also the food. Participating restaurants include (take a breath): Alternative Brews, Anderson’s, the Eagle House, Edible Arrangements in Williamsville, Falafel Bar, Fiamma Steak, the Glen Park Tavern, Harry’s Harbour Place Grille, Kebab & Curry, the Melting Pot, Mulberry Italian Ristorante, My Tomato Pie, Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream, Other Woman Catering, Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, Sample, Snooty Fox Lounge, So’s Integrity Catering, SPoT Coffee, Tandoori, and Verbena. You will not leave hungry. Just as fun, but much furrier, is Wines in the Wild at the Buffalo Zoo on July 30. This might be the only time all summer you can spend an evening sipping wine with polar bears. Hosted by the ProZoo Board and the Women’s Board of the Buffalo Zoo, the evening benefits the zoo’s Adopt-an-Animal fund. Adult attendees will find a redefined zoo experience; no school groups at the Zoo on this night. Instead, it’s sophisticated fun with live music, food and drinks, and basket and silent auctions. Over forty local vendors will offer their wares at this year’s event, with wine, beer, dessert, and gourmet goodies available for grazing. There’s also live music from Kevin McCarthy and Rich Manzell. You can even receive an educational enrichment while getting friendly with the evening’s featured animals, which will be showcased around the zoo. With over 2,000 participants last year, Wines in the Wild has sold out in the past, so hurry and purchase your presale tickets for $30 online at www.buffalozoo.org or by calling 995-6131. (Remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $40.) Is a rundown of the annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts—August 23 and 24—really necessary at this point? I mean, who isn’t aware of the dazzling one-of-a kind-artwork found between Lafayette and West Ferry each year on that glorious August weekend? The fest showcases numerous local artisan vendors specializing in a wide range of designs from baskets to ceramics, and metal to photography masterpieces. The festival is a non-profit, volunteer-run event whose mission is to promote the evolving artistic and cultural treasures of WNY, while creating awareness of the unique urban environment. And it’s always a wide-ranging affair; last year’s festival included performances by Configuration Dance and a Cultural and Environmental Row showcasing energy conservation organizations. It’s worth noting that the EAFA was the first event of its kind to recycle, compost, feature solar-powered stages (they have two in 2008), establish an environmental row, and use biodegradable tableware. The 2008 fest is thrilling in its sheer diversity and size: 170 artisans at the artist’s market; six tents of hands-on kids activities (see above photo); a performer’s showcase featuring four stages of music, dance, and puppetry; a dance tent featuring a wooden floor; a cafe of great fest food; and the merchants’ showcase, demonstrating what makes Elmwood businesses so special, and so important to WNY. The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. See www.elmwoodartfest.org or call 830-2484 for details. Spree intern Mary Georger is a journalism major at Syracuse University. She will be a junior this fall. Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top