CALLING ALL ICE CREAM LOVERS
In honor of Ice Cream Month— which is actually a thing, thank goodness— Hester Street Fair will be hosting our annual Ice Cream Social competition. On Saturday, July 8th, we offer our audience the best ice cream vendors from across the five boroughs, bringing us their finest flavors to compete for the chance to claim this year’s acclaimed ‘Audience Award’. Our vendors range from small businesses to independent ice cream aficionados.
Since our first Ice Cream Social, thousands of people have shown up— including Leo DiCaprio and his mom— but no need to be intimidated, as all it takes to vote is $10 which gives you one vote and a 2oz sample of each vendors’ signature flavor for the day. The votes will be tallied at 6 pm and a winner announced at 6:30 pm. The fate of NYC’s ice cream obsession is in the people's hands, and we love it.
The competition will run from 11 - 6 pm, and our market (featuring non-ice cream vendors) will stay open till 7 pm.
THE ICE CREAM CONTENDERS
Dirtybird Sweets - Emily Drucker is 2019’s Ice Cream champion! She specializes in decadent flavors and has mastered the perfect textures. While Emily’s professional career has been all about pastries, her first shot at ice cream paid off big time.
Coco Boys - Dustin was in Thailand when he realized his life needed to be dedicated to making ice cream. When he returned to NYC, he quit his job and started working on his passion, making Coco Boys his full-time job. His coconut-based ice cream is made in Brooklyn, and is vegan, dairy free, and unforgettable.
Kente Cones - Our 2nd place champions from last year with huge smiles and delicious flavors using Fairtrade ingredients from African and local farms. Think Ghanaian cocoa powder, Madagascar vanilla beans, organic Ethiopian coffee, and fresh fruit and dairy from nearby farmers.
Mochii NYC - Back again to showcase their fan-favorite chewy and squishy hand-made ice cream. Adventurous flavors (black sesame, anyone?) and fresh ingredients are what they’re all about. These bite-size desserts are made with 100% rice flour, gluten-free, no preservatives, and vegan options are available.
Brigs Sweet Shop - The NYC boutique catering business has been a vendor with us a couple of times already this year and is behind the homemade pop tarts that we’ve fallen in love with. Now, we get to try the new endeavor that is ICE CREAM.
Bam Bam Ice Cream - Starting out as a concept shop in LA, Bam Bam is now making its NYC debut. Signature flavors include Burnt Toast Jam, Chocolate Olive Oil, Mercury Retrograde, and Lemon Poppy.
VENDOR HIGHLIGHT
Equality Education - A Women-Owned SEL Company helping children discover their greatness and unconditional love. Visit their tent to learn more about their mission, and to check out their variety of children’s workbooks that contain a comprehensive curriculum. They also have materials and empowering products for educators and parents.
Better Than Porridge - Newcomer to the fair, the small batch artisanal smoked hot sauce business is bringing a special flavor that is a great addition to any dish, even ice cream
Mumu Bath - Another newcomer, this all-natural soap company was created out of necessity when the owner learned her baby had eczema, but could not find any proper soap on the market. To change that issue, she created her own line that was. Her soaps are simple, toxic-free, and made for everyone.
FULL ROSTER
ADC Houndstone & Co., Allegorie, Allegra Vintij, Arrngmnt, Bam Bam Ice Cream, Berraquita, Better Than Porridge, Bombcorn Chicken, Brig's Sweet Shop, Cantina Royale, Catfight Coffee, Chi Chi, Coco Boys, Concrete Garden Candles, Condormulticolor, Diamante Vintage, Dirtybird Sweets, Equality Education, Everything Soulful, Filigree NYC, Greensicle, Healthy Healers Empowered Creations, Jade Rose Bakery, Joella Crafts, Julianne Bartolotta, Jumz Accessories, Kente Cone, Les Coloris, Local Clothing, Long Island Thrift, Luna Jars, MRK Floral, Margot and Valentina, Mean Muggin Ceramics, Mochii, MOO., Moon Frankenstein, Mottive, Mumu Bath, NeonBetty, Preppy Trendy, SASS, Shop Spicy Dan, Sift Cakes and Cookies, Strudel House, Sukushine, Tacos El Guero, The Narrative Vintage, Treasured Soaps and Candles, Tricolor by Maria and Amaya, Village Psychic Lisa DeMetro, XPIZZA