Relays officials put local vendors on equal footing

With the annual running of the Penn Relays come the hordes of street vendors selling T-shirts and other merchandise outside Franklin Field. And according to University officials, this has become an example of the University's efforts to incorporate the community's needs when planning events. Vice President for Government and Community Affairs Carol Scheman said the Relays -- which can bring millions of dollars to the local economy -- has an enormous economic impact on the area. She added that vending rights was a major problem confronting planners this year. Vending was complicated last year because the city issued licenses to several out-of-town vendors. Licensing is controversial because of the lucrative business of selling officially sanctioned T-shirts. Many local merchants were angered last year by the failure to ensure they would be able to take part. But Scheman said this year there has been a conscious effort to include more area vendors. Already yesterday, 34th Street was lined with vendors selling a variety of goods. Unofficial T-shirts were selling for between $5 and $8, while official T-shirts were sold inside Franklin Field for $12. "I am very pleased with how everything was constructed," said a vendor who refused to give his name, adding that "[city officials] were fair and nice and had a good attitude." No vendors on the street were willing to give their names. Scheman remained positive about this year's vending situation. "This is a community that is very tolerant," she said. She added that this year there would be more traffic control, increased police protection and better accessibility to facilities.