ROCHESTER — An anniversary party filled the parking lot Saturday, Oct. 5 at Plumb Corner, as Friends’ Marketplace, the Rounseville Road grocery store, celebrated three decades in business.

Rob Ciardi, Friends’ Marketplace store manager and director of operations, said 30 years is “definitely” an accomplishment for a grocery store. 

In addition to the 30 years in Rochester, Friends’ Marketplace has also operated in Orleans for 25 years, according to Ciardi. 

Vendors served food and drink samples in front of the market during the party marking 30 years.

Amidst the 12 or so vendors offering samples, Ciardi and other Friends’ Marketplace staff served food and ice cream as well to visitors to the Plumb Corner plaza.

Ciardi said he’s been with the Rochester store for eight years.

Between the line of tents for food and drink samples, Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library operated a stand where visitors could paint acorns and fall foliage designs, and right in front of the grocery store, kids gathered at a picnic table to paint pumpkins. 

The Rochester police and fire departments also brought vehicles to the 30th anniversary celebration.