Street Corner Characters

Anyone know the story of the man selling produce on the corner of President Street and Seventh Avenue?

I don’t know how the price and quality of his fruits and vegetables compare to competitors, but -- since I'm not bent on buying organic -- his easy-to-do-business-with attitude works for me.

A sidewalk vendor who I ignore sells images of pregnant woman at Grand Army Plaza. I'm sure he's a nice guy and realize I might be missing out on what someone else considers to be enjoyable art. Abstract images of mother with child are just not my thing.

Are there other local street corner characters selling products or services that you can can purchase without fear of being arrested?

Are there any street vendors that you cannot live without (or with)?