The Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, a Western New York tradition featuring more than 30 vendors selling fresh, seasonal and local products, opens for the 2011 season on Saturday, May 7. Hours at the open-air market are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, rain or shine.

Local singer/guitarist Kate Shaffer will kick off the market’s entertainment schedule, performing from approximately 10 to 11:30 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., a special presentation will honor the winner of the market’s 2011 poster competition, JoAnn Andolina of Williamsville.

Additionally, the market welcomes three local nonprofit organizations who will be distributing information about their organizations.

?Several new vendors, talented local entertainers and an Electronic Benefit Transfer system will greet visitors to the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market during the 2011 season. Already one of Western New York’s favorite annual traditions, the market opens for business on Saturday, May 7. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine. 

The market features more than 30 vendors — including several with new product offerings — selling fruits, vegetables, baked goods, organics, fresh meat, cut flowers, wine, eggs, dairy, honey, cheese and much more in an open-air setting.

The City of Buffalo is hosting free community workshops surrounding its proposal to create a Green Code for the city.  The code represents a new zoning ordinance for the city bringing it into the 21st century.

The plan calls for developing common themes for neighborhoods and regulating what land owners can and cannot do with their property. New rules are being called for as well to reduce energy use and improve neighborhoods for the future.

Workshops will be held in all major neighborhoods in the city at the times and locations below:

February 28, 6:30-9:00PM- Hutch Tech High School, 230 S.