Today is the day the French celebrate Bastille Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille, which took place on this day in 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
The celebrations started a few days ago and continue still. Today’s celebrations include eating cake with Marie Antoinette at Park Avenue Bistro, a French Bistro located on Park Avenue between 26th and 27th Sts and and Le Prigot will have music and offer a complimentary glass of wine!
But since sitting in fancy French bistros and listening to French musicians happily play to the relaxed and cheerful patrons drinking their free glass of wine doesn’t really fit in NYCity Mama’s lifestyle or schedule, she and the family decided to take part in the festivities this past weekend by joining the crowds on 60th St on the East Side of Manhattan during the Bastille Day Street Fair. It was a perfect day for a street fair, and this one was very popular.
It was only a few blocks long, and difficult at some points to navigate through, as most popular street fairs in NYC can be, but they made it through enough to catch the cancan dancers perform and make it to the beginning of the crepes line to enjoy some delicious (and expensive) treats.
Most street fairs in New York City are pretty much the same, but they remain one of Mama’s favorite things to do on a nice day. The price of food can vary from vendor to vendor, as do the prices of the various local artists and other businesses who set up a table at these types of events. It is smart to walk around and browse and shop around, as it is possible that the table down the block, selling similar snacks or items, will also have lower prices.
But more often than not, Mama and family love to go to street fairs for the free entertainment, the people watching, and the occasional stop to eat something delicious along the way.
About.com has a wonderful list of street fairs taking place in July and August of this year. Whether you in live in town or just visiting, a walk through a local street fair and festival is not only a “very New York” thing to do, but also tons of fun!
Lisa
WOW!!!! New Yorkers surely know how to party. What a celebration there in NYC. It's funny but my husband, along with many other French, aren't all that into Bastille Day LOL. Perhaps because they view it as too militaristic? But here in the US it's clearly just about appreciating the culture and having a blast, as it should be!
BTW, your really really love the layout on your blog. Super cool
Carol
Hi Lisa! Yup we New Yorkers try to find the best of any occasion just so we can then have a reason to celebrate and eat! Thanks for your comments and the compliment on my blog! That's super sweet! Merci!
NYC Fun: Parks, Concerts, Street Fairs, & Sightings of Reflectorman | NYCity Mama
[…] this particular sunny day, we decided to take part in our first Street Fair of the season, specifically in the West Village, near Washington Square […]