vip in the city

Seventh Avenue Street Fair

On the way into the office to learn of my fate, I passed the Seventh Avenue Street Fair in progress. Ah, the telltale wafts of smoke and all-too-familiar smells…

Last month, I came upon a news story that New York City street fairs all seem similar because they are similar, based on a report (.pdf) by the Center for an Urban Future. Their study found that complex politics result in the same vendors appearing at most of the fairs. Just three companies organize over two-thirds of the fairs, and 46 percent of all the food permits are distributed among the 20 largest vendors. Based on personal observation, I wonder: 20 — that many, really?  Sausage and peppers, gyros, funnel cakes, $1 Thai, corndogs, chicken pita, turkey legs, crepes, roasted corn on the cob, Mozzarepas  (those cornmeal-pancake/mozzerella sandwiches I’ve never seen outside  a street fair), fresh cut fruit/smoothies, kettle corn and fresh squeezed lemonade – what else is there?  Though truth be told, I do find it difficult to pass up those last two sometimes.

On rare occasions – usually only when the fair is linked to some specific theme – you may get offerings like eclairs and vichyssoise.

Though I am entranced by the idea that you can pick up a viking-sized drumstick (along with your overstock brassieres, silver jewelry and tube socks), just minutes before catching a show at adjacent Carnegie Hall.