The Seneca Street Car Association started during the Fall of 2006 with a group of community advocates lead by Linda Bain, Block Club Leader, and car enthusiast. With her proactive involvement in the community, Linda had a goal; to get quicker action for the promised revitalization project that had been planned for the past six years for Seneca street. "We need to see it happen as leaders promised. The heart of our neighborhood is our business district." This has been a hot topic for discussion quite often at the South Buffalo's monthly Coalition meeting. With this in mind, Linda decided to plan an "Event" for the Seneca Street Community. She mentioned often to leaders "An event will bring people to Seneca Street". A car show was her first idea and her dream. "Bring the car guys in," Linda chuckled. "They will show you how to have a great time."
With little support, she knew her work was cut out for her. When others ask "why" she was doing this, she replied; "The biggest reward would be a positive affect on this community. We, the community, want the revitalization projects now and at a faster pace". "We want people to come back who left this beloved community and show them how viable we are. Many underestimate what redevelopment could bring to this historical business district," Linda stated. She also mentioned, "We are a bicycle ride away from the outer harbor and minutes from a Sabres' game. With the gas prices of today, many of us are fortunate to have things at a close proximity".
With determination more than ever, Linda invested her own money for the city permits and insurance necessary for the event. Thus with tiredless efforts, she and a handful of others planned, organized and implemented the first "Annual Seneca Street Car Show".
The First Show took place August 12th, 2007, and was a huge success. The event brought over eighty five classic and antique automobiles to Seneca Street along with a large crowd of spectators. Participants came from all over Western New York, many having their roots planted from the South Buffalo area. Thus, the proceeds brought another event to Seneca known as "Christmas in SenecaVille". Because of the positive response from car participants, spectators and the community, the 2nd Annual Seneca Street Car Show was planned and held August 10th, 2008. Though it rained by bucketfuls, the show went on and the cars came. Over 100 of them with many claiming how much fun they had!
The 3rd Annual Seneca Street Car Show was held August 9th, 2009. A page for registration was set up online and more participants were becoming familiar with the website. Over 144 cars were registered! Again, rain did come but so did the sun!
Last year, the 4th annual car show was held August 8th, 2010. This was the biggest show yet! Approximately 200 cars attended the event. Judging was tuned up a bit with the rules printed and given at registration. The day was full of sunshine! The chinese auction was bigger than ever. A ice cream contest was held for 20 ice cream lovers to challenge a delicious chocolate sundae with lots of whip cream. Many of the establishments were serving a great crowd with record breaking prices. At Brandy's pub, the owner served a free buffet. Buffalo's Finest entertained with a live band inside. The newest restaurant "Francesca's" was open greeting the public with samples of exquisite dishes. The well known "Blackthorn" restaurant, a noted jewel in South Buffalo, nationally viewed on dine, diners and dives for roast beef on weck, crabcakes and potato soup! Not to mention Manny's serving the crowd their famous "Manny Burger",and Leo's with a superb pizza slice for $1.50.
The 5th Annual Seneca Street Car Show will be held on August 14th, 2011. We look forward to another great show and remember, the Seneca Street Car Show loves your car!
About Us And Our Past. "Seneca Street in 1930's
The mission of the Seneca Street Car Association is to create an event and attract people to the Seneca street business strip. The event is to help support the rebirth of the strip. The Seneca Street Car Show of 2007 has given everyone a memory of fun and enjoyment . It has rewarded the community with a positive experience and a spark of encouragement toward its revitalization. The Seneca Car Association thrives on optimism that is necessary for the rebuilding of the Seneca Street Business district. The plans for Seneca Street for the past six years is to develop a historical business strip. This has been a project lead by Mark Schroeder, New York State Assemblyman for the 145th District. Thus, a new horizon will set forth for our neighborhoods in the Seneca Street community and most of all the Seneca Street Business Strip.
(Above photo showing the hustle and bustle of Seneca Street which during the 1930's was known as "Downtown South Buffalo")
Who are We? The Seneca Street Car Association is a non-for-profit organization. The Seneca Street Car Association founded and created the annual car show event held on Seneca Street's Historical South Buffalo Business strip. Our goal is to create a thriving business strip and attract homeowners to our neighborhoods throughout the Seneca street area.