For some, it's a festival. For others, it's home. Now it will also be a book.

Allentown is a complex, quirky, essential part of the fabric of Buffalo. Capturing the essence of a neighborhood with more than a century of history is no small task. Photographer Bill Faught has attempted this feat with his camera. Buffalo Heritage Press has invited eight long-time Allentown residents to complement his efforts with their pens. The result is a book you will want to page through, savor and share. 

Or will be soon, with your help. Allentown: A Photographic Journey will be available for the first time at the Allen West Festival this weekend on Saturday and Sunday (June 11 and 12) at a pre-publication discount. The wise souls who purchase now will receive signed, hot-off-the-press collector's editions in October, in time for the holidays. No postage, no tax, $10 off, and the satisfaction of supporting this challenging project. Look for it at the Buffalo Heritage booth and at the Allentown Association table.

The funky, Soho-esque bohemian neighborhood wedged between the burgeoning Elmwood Village and our emerging Downtown is also adjacent to the vibrant Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Named after Lewis F. Allen, President Grover Cleveland's uncle, Allen Street was purportedly his cattle path.

Per Wikipedia: "Allentown is known for its community of artists, for its embrace of bohemian, hipsterand gay culture, and for the civic commitment of residents to the historic and aesthetic sensibilities of the neighborhood. Allentown is one of Buffalo's premier areas for nightlife, dining, and antique shopping." 

But Allentown: A Photographic Journey will go far beyond what Wikipedia can offer, with illustrious Allentown neighbors reflecting on this important neighborhood. Chris Brown, resident, historian and community activist is providing the historical context for Faught's photos, and Jonathan White, president of the Allentown Association, takes a look at contemporary Allentown, the impact of the resurgence and the challenges it faces.

The primarily black & white photographs are loosely grouped in seven sections. Mark Goldman walks us through Allentown Streetscapes, Elizabeth Licata reflects on Parks & Gardens. and Pete Carroll waxes poetic on the Arts. Dick Haynes toasts the iconic Nightlife, Gretchan Grobe celebrates Festivals, and there is even a section on the BNMC by Jonathan White. 

So many dichotomies in this funky corner of the Queen City, replete with bubbles. Historic and contemporary structures sit side-by-side, straight and gay walk hand in hand, bohemian shops compete with earnest commercial ventures - even the two parallel festivals this weekend could not feel more different. Allentown is home to as many contradictions as it is to lovely Painted Ladies.

Allentown: A Photographic Journey explores the nooks and crannies of this beloved community, and seeks to capture its soul.