The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day parade painted Delaware Avenue in bright green, bringing together around 100,000 people to celebrate the city’s Irish roots.

Marchers began at Niagara Square and proceeded north beneath sunny skies, with spectators in festive costumes cheering on colorful floats, lively bands, and spirited community groups.

Liam Knott, this year’s Grand Marshal and a fourth-generation honoree, led the way, highlighting the parade’s role in keeping Irish-American traditions alive.

Downtown businesses experienced a surge in sales, as the event drew both locals and visitors, strengthening small shops and cafes with a significant boost.

Families from all backgrounds joined in, transforming the day into a living tradition that links generations while fostering citywide unity.

The celebrations continued in Buffalo’s local establishments, affirming the parade as a cornerstone of cultural pride and inclusive community spirit.

The KeyBank Center in Buffalo welcomes the start of March Madness this week, hosting the opening rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and drawing national attention to Western New York.

Fans will see top-seeded Michigan Wolverines compete against the winner of Howard and UMBC, with local talent Roddy Gayle Jr. adding special interest.

The renowned Michigan State Spartans, coached by Tom Izzo, face North Dakota State, hoping to extend their impressive season.

A compelling East Region clash has the Louisville Cardinals against the South Florida Bulls, while the Georgia Bulldogs meet the TCU Horned Frogs in a closely matched Midwest game.

Winners move on to Saturday’s second round, keeping the energy high in Buffalo.

Attendees should prepare for chilly, cloudy weather and secure tickets early for this highly anticipated event.

Excitement and community pride are set to take over the city as the tournament tips off.

Western New York students are invited to discover career options and network with employers at the Ken-Ton Career Connections event, taking place Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Arena.

Attendees can explore a diverse range of industries while meeting local businesses that offer jobs, internships, and valuable career guidance.

Representatives from numerous organizations will be on hand for students to ask about workplace skills and job opportunities in various fields.

The event’s mission is to connect young people with pathways to employment and inspire them as they look ahead to life after graduation.

Employers can enhance their presence through vendor tables or by sponsoring student-focused areas, such as the lounge or refreshment stations.

Registration and further details are accessible via a QR code featured on the event flyer.

From Elmwood to East Aurora: 10 Bookstores Every WNY Reader Should Know

• Talking Leaves Books
  📍 Elmwood Village, Buffalo
  One of Buffalo’s most beloved independent bookstores with a strong literary focus. Known for its curated selection of fiction, poetry, philosophy, and small-press titles, along with regular author readings and literary events.

• Rust Belt Books
  📍 West Side, Buffalo
  A cozy used bookstore packed with thousands of titles. It doubles as a creative community space that hosts poetry readings, art shows, and literary gatherings.

• Burning Books
  📍 West Side, Buffalo
  An independent bookstore focused on social justice, politics, history, and grassroots activism. The shop regularly hosts talks, discussions, and community events.

• Westside Stories
  📍 Grant Street, Buffalo
  A welcoming neighborhood used bookstore known for affordable books and a constantly changing inventory. It’s especially popular with families and young readers.

• Fitz Books & Waffles
  📍 Midtown / Medical Corridor, Buffalo
  A uniquely Buffalo concept combining a bookstore with waffles and coffee. It’s a relaxed hangout spot that hosts readings, book clubs, and community events.

• Alice, Ever After Books
  📍 Parkside, Buffalo
  A charming independent children’s bookstore specializing in picture books and young reader titles. The shop frequently hosts story times and family programming.

• Dog Ears Bookstore & Café
  📍 South Buffalo
  A nonprofit bookstore and café selling affordable used books while supporting literacy programs and community education initiatives.

• The Bookworm
  📍 East Aurora
  A long-running independent bookstore offering both new and used books along with gifts and metaphysical items. It’s known locally for its book-trading program.

• Turn the Page Used Books
  📍 Hamburg
  A cozy used bookstore in the Village of Hamburg with a wide variety of gently used titles across many genres. A great stop while exploring Hamburg’s Main Street.

• Old Editions Bookshop & Gallery
  📍 North Tonawanda
  A massive used bookstore located in a warehouse-style space filled with thousands of rare and secondhand books.

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