Flea Market

Begun in 1907 as a humble farmer's market, the Maxwell Street flea market has since exploded into a massive baazar featuring every product known to man. Every Sunday, business carts line up along the street and hang out their shingles to entice customers. During the Flea Market, Maxwell Street becomes so clogged with shoppers that no cars can hope to drive through the glut.

Anyone can sell anything at the Maxwell Street Flea Market - and they often do. Fisherman chop the heads of their catch next to garment workers hawking the latest Parisian fashions. Delis offer hot sandwiches and cold beer while farmers sell live chickens in cages just a few feet away. Some sellers arrange their wares prettily on carts or stands, while others might simply lay them in heaps on the ground. Hats, furniture, clothing, pharmaceuticals, food, linens, toys - anything you need can be found at the Maxwell Street Flea Market, provided you're willing to brave the crowds.

The Flea Market is not only a place to shop, but also a public forum. Unions will often stage rallies and protests during the Flea Market. Political parties might hand out information pamphlets or shout campaign slogans. Friends will meet for lunch on the front stoop of a shoppe - or heated discussions might be had over the butcher's block. Where so many people gather together, there are stories to be uncovered at every inch of the Maxwell Street Flea Market.