When
the warm spring weather begins in April, New Yorkers
take to the streets.
Pocket parks show off their flowers, shorts become
the "in-thing" to wear and the street
fair season arrives.
If
you've never been to a New York Street Fair, you
are in for a treat.
Just
try to imagine a State Fair, without the livestock,
arranged within a few city blocks and you'll begin
to see just why these fairs and street festivals
are so popular with New Yorkers and visitors to
the city.
Forget
your diet and start with the food
You'll be walking enough to burn off a few of the
calories in the delicious zeppoles or the sausage
and pepper heros.
Stop
by a crepe stand for the closest thing to Paris
that you'll find on this side of the Atlantic.
Chinese,
West Indian and Indian food can be found at most
of the fairs - along with gyros, lots of other ethnic
foods and a good sampling of traditional American
treats.
One
of the most famous street fairs, The Ninth Avenue
Food Fair, provides samples of gourmet restaurant
offerings from some of the top chefs in the area.
Shop
while you eat
There are some bargains to be had - especially if
you're looking for socks or cosmetics. Rugs, plants,
Victoria's Secret undergarments, hand crafted
jewelry... the list goes on and on.
While
some of the items are priced for tourists, you may
find a keepsake that is worth spending a bit extra
for.
Most
of the vendors are willing to haggle a little, especially
at the end of the day. Know your prices and don't
assume that because it's being sold at a street
fair you are getting a bargain.
Music
of the Streets
As you walk through the streets, you'll be entertained
by local radio stations booming out their sounds.
The
live performances draw crowds of appreciative listeners.
The
vendors selling tapes and records fill the air with
samples of their wares as you walk by.
The
demonstration infomercials by vendors of kitchen
slicers and cleaners, combine with the music and
the hum of the crowd to create a city symphony you
won't find in any concert hall.
Fun
for Everyone
Some of the larger fairs have rides for the kids
but even the smaller festivals will have a vendor
selling soft drinks, ice cream or other treats that
will keep the little ones happy.
Check
the schedule and plan a visit to at least one of
these city feasts before the cooler weather in November
ends the fun.
More
about New York Street Fairs around the Web:
New
York Street Fair Calendar
New
York Street Fairs & Festivals Schedule
How
to Become a New York Street Fair Vendor