Join some of our community’s greenest thumbs and goldest hearts this weekend at Grassroots Gardens’ First Annual Harvest Festival and Fundraiser. The community-based gardening program has worked with both public and private sectors to create vegetable and flower gardens throughout the city, concentrating especially on the neediest neighborhoods on Buffalo’s east and west sides. The cost of implementing just a single garden can run up to $3,500—a bargain when you see how elaborate some of them are—so funds run tight and the organization is always looking for donations, whether of money, time or labor. From its beginning in 1995, Grassroots Gardens has taken charge of over 75 vacant lots, many in the city’s most economically challenged areas, building gardens that not only beautify the community but provide fresh produce to families and even serve as “living classrooms” to residents and their children. Visit www.grassrootsgardens.org for details on programs, classes and events. The fundraiser ticket cost includes beer and wine for those 21 and older, and hors d’oevres donated by Allen Street Hardware, Betty’s, Cecelia’s Ristorante, Quaker Bonnet Eatery, Room For Dessert, Shango and TruTeas. Special thanks go to Flying Bison Brewing Company, Urban roots and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum.

Friday, November 9 at 5:30-8pm. Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 453 Porter Ave. (885-4139)> $20 for members; $25 general.