New York City Street Fairs

Each year from April through October (depending on the weather) neighborhoods throughout New York City host street fairs. Streets are closed to traffic and tents and booths are set up as temporary store fronts for all kinds of merchandise.

From handcrafted wind-chimes to discount cosmetics to second hand jewelry to local clothing vendors, street fairs offer a shopping smorgasbord.

It is always such a pleasant surprise to be out on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and run across a New York City street fair. They are usually crowded, but unlike the fast paced, crammed in, irritated crowds that you might experience during say rush hour, the street fair crowds are casual, laid back and are usually quite amiable. It is almost as though the street fair is a designated chill zone.

The smell of freshly roasted sweet corn on the cob wafts down the street and mingles with the aroma of polish sausage being smoked on the grill. Ice cold lemonade, carmeled apples, spicy chicken shishkababs and fruit filled crepes are all characteristic fare for these community gatherings.

Neighbors greet each other and catch up while they stroll from tent to tent as they survey the wares.

I love looking through the original art work or chic sundresses. My BF can always be found browsing the CD's, DVD's or gadgets. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours and more than a couple of bucks.

Insider Tips:

• Take cash, the outdoor venue makes it a challenge to use credit cards.
• Treat yourself to a nice hot ear of roasted corn slathered in butter. MMMM. MMMM.
• Check out the NYC.gov website for a schedule of the New York City Street Fairs or try these links:

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/mancb7/html/street_fairs/street_fairs.shtml

http://home2.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0/