Vendors from all over the city gathered in Midtown Manhattan ahead of the New Year’s Eve ball drop to sell merchandise and reveal where they sourced their quirky goods. One vendor, a 15-year-old boy named Bladimir and his mother Maria, came from Ecuador earlier that year and decided to sell New Year’s hats, glasses, and balloons on the corner of 50th Street and Sixth Avenue for the big money. They had been selling mango slices in Central Park since their arrival but saw an opportunity to make more profit by selling festive items on New Year’s Eve.
Bladimir and Maria shared that they had bought all of their merchandise from a factory on Flushing Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue in Brooklyn. The teen noted that they had already sold 51 hats and 62 pairs of glasses within the first hour of setting up their stand. They planned to move closer to Times Square as the day progressed to attract more customers. Another vendor, Dwayne Hibbert, a chef from Jamaica who has lived in New York City for 30 years, was selling hats, glasses, and noisemakers on the corner of 48th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Hibbert mentioned that the location near the subway line to the Times Square ball drop crowd was ideal, and he had arrived early to secure his spot. He stated that he had participated in this side hustle before and emphasized the need for extra money during the holiday season. The vendors also sold earmuffs for cold nights, knowing that people would be looking to warm up as the night went on. Guatemalan tourists Telma Saravia and Jose Corado purchased two New Year’s hats for $10 each near Radio City Music Hall to remember their visit to New York.
Saravia mentioned that she chose a hat with no year so she could use it again in the future. The couple had come to see the Rockettes show and were staying in New York for just one night. They were uncertain about being able to witness the ball drop due to the threat of heavy rain, not because of the large crowds already present in Times Square. Saravia expressed hope that the weather would clear up so they could experience the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration. The vendors were optimistic about making good sales throughout the day, catering to both locals and tourists looking to commemorate their time in New York City.
As the day progressed, more vendors filled the streets of Midtown Manhattan, offering a variety of New Year’s Eve-themed merchandise to the crowds of people eagerly anticipating the ball drop. The atmosphere was festive and lively, with vendors showcasing their wares and interacting with potential customers. Despite the threat of rain, both vendors and patrons were in high spirits, looking forward to a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. The event was not only an opportunity for vendors to make some extra cash during the holiday season but also a chance for visitors to take home a piece of New York City’s iconic New Year’s Eve festivities.
