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Picnic Tables and Music Take Over Grand Central Terminal This Week

 Part of the Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal has been set up as a picnic area. The Life's a Picnic in Grand Central event will feature free live music performances, dozens of Grand Central food vendors as well as a daily lottery. The event runs from August 18 until August 22, 2014.
'Life's a Picnic' in Grand Central
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MIDTOWN EAST — Enjoy an indoor picnic in Grand Central this week, with free concerts while you eat.

A dozen picnic tables have been set up over a carpet of artificial grass in Vanderbilt Hall for “Life's a Picnic in Grand Central,” which launched Monday and features food vendors and live performances by MTA musicians, circus artists and actors from Broadway shows such as "Chicago" and "Cinderella."

The pop-up event runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Friday.

“August in New York can be hot and humid — we wanted to give people an indoor option to chill out in this beautiful public space,” said Amy Scheer, the director of marketing and events for Jones Lang Lasalle, which manages retail outlets at the terminal.

People are welcome to bring their own picnic basket, but they can also buy food from several Grand Central Terminal vendors that will have stands at the event. Snacks available on Monday included hotdogs, French pastries and fresh mango juice. Each day will highlight different vendors that have a shop in the train station.

There will also be a daily lottery from noon to 2 p.m. in which participants can win a black umbrella, a small notebook, a white beach towel or a handbag — all featuring an image of Grand Central's logo and iconic clock.

"It’s a great way to take time out from the bustle and hustle of the city," said Alicia Navia, 62, a Long Island resident who stopped to listen to violinist Susan Keser play at the picnic. "This music gives me a sense of relief."