PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Enjoying his contribution, this fellow kept revelers fed, grilling all day and into the night.
Fourth of July celebration welcomes
everyone on Spring Street
BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Paolo and friends, many who grew
up on the tenement side of Soho,
hold an annual Fourth of July holiday
street bash, the likes that the rest of
trendier-than-thou Soho never sees.
For years, the party used to be in the
nearby plaza previously known as Soho
All kinds of eats were available.
Square on 6th Avenue closed a couple of
years back for renovation, and now a bit
too chichi. Revelers emigrated to Spring
Street near Sullivan, bringing the party
into a lane in the street and along the
sidewalk.
The morning of the Fourth, the setup
begins, eventually with two grills, tables
for food and fi xings, a tub for ice. This
year there was even a tent for shade.
Chairs fi nd their way onto the sidewalk.
Paolo gets a sprinkler cap from FDNY
and concocts a creative street installation
with water action, his surfboard and a
faux duck. Passersby walk through the
good-humored goofi ness of this unique
holiday observance and are invited to
join. Throughout the day the menu
includes sardines, sausages, hot dogs,
hamburgers, and chicken.
On a long weekend from Dallas, a
couple walking Spring Street to Soho stop
for the eats and stay for a couple of hours,
schmoozing with the locals. Seniors gravitate
from Vesuvio Park for a change of
scenery and some bar-be-que. Some folks
happening on the scene hang out for a
quick pict and for others, the surreality
is awe-inspiring. Always there are smiles.
Neighbors come and go, while grilling
continues into the early night.
This annual tradition is a reunion for
many of the guys who grew up in this
‘hood, but the gathering has also become
the go-to party for all ages rooted in the
neighborhood. The open inclusive vibe
where all are invited is the most welcoming
block party that this city sees.
A giant flag hung on Spring Street,
where the stars and stripes reigned
for the holiday.
(*Soho Square, originally created in
1945 contains a larger-than-life-size
statue of Uruguayan independence leader
and national hero General Jose Artigas.
It received a 5 million dollar face-lift in
2017/18, supported in part by the local
Business Improvement District (who
maintains it), NYC Economic Development
Corporation, and City Council.
Picnic tables removed were never
replaced, the General was moved, and
installed attractive “designer benches”
encourage people to stay but “not too
long.” The uncomfortable benches are
not ergonomic with a rigid perpendicular
backrest, they’re designed for long-legged
people and for your behind—a sitting surface
has spaces so far apart that long-term
sitting is undesirable. The plaza’s name was
subsequently changed to Spring Park.)
Stars and stipes scarves were
given out to the celebrants.
10 July 8, 2021 Schneps Media