Brooklyn Heights resident Caroline Fernandes makes it a lot easier
to find street fairs, festivals and arts and crafts shows in
New York City with her "Vendor In$ider Listings" books.
While the guide is obviously helpful for vendors with wares to
sell, it’s also a boon for those who love a good street fair
and the thrill of shopping al fresco.
Fernandes, who used to work as festival consultant for the West
Side Chamber of Commerce (which produces the Amsterdam Avenue
Festival in May and the Columbus Avenue Festival in September)
in Manhattan, was barraged with so many questions about festivals
that, seeing a need, she wrote the guidebook.
Fernandes says that street fairs are a great place, not only
for bargains, but for budding entrepreneurs to start out.
"Unemployed people or struggling artists who are toying
with the idea of starting their own business have the best testing
ground available to them: a New York City street fair or festival
might be the answer," says Fernandes. "Whether they
have a new idea or product or service, only a street fair or
festival can get you immediate results. New Yorkers don’t lie
– they will let you know if they like something or not."
She says she’s seen vendors grow their businesses from street
fairs to retail, direct mail or wholesale businesses.
Fernandes’ book includes the how-tos of obtaining permits and
more than 300 listings of events from April through December
including attendance numbers and contact information.
To order "The Vendor In$ider Listings" ($25) call (718)
797-9606 or email vendorinsider@yahoo.com.