The slightly cramped quarters of the Hester Street Fair will get a bit more breathing room with the market's expansion into the neighboring Seward Park Promenade. Beginning on May 31st, the market takes over the tree-lined seating area every Saturday and Sunday, in addition to their current digs between the gates on Hester Street. The market will now occupy the area on the eastern side of Essex Street from Hester Street to Canal Street, adding almost 30 new vendors to the fold.
"We've always thought the area around Schiff Fountain was a beautiful yet underutilized part of the neighborhood," explains Hester Street Fair co-founder SuChin Pak. "And the trickiest part of our market has been the size…we are always looking for more space!" The fair worked with the Park's Department to make the expansion happen; Seward Park has the distinction of being the city's first permanent municipal playground, opening in 1903. The Schiff Fountain was moved to Seward Park in 1936 from its original home in Rutgers Park.
The fair's spokesperson says the vendor list hasn't been finalized yet but notes that the list will rotate depending on the week; check their master list for a general idea of what to expect and their blog for updates. Opening weekend festivities include live music, an increased food presence and giveaways from some of the vendors.
