Faced with the unusual prospect of nearby towns holding their own sidewalk sales on the very same day, organizers of New Canaan’s event said many local businesses will kick off a full day early this year.
Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Tucker Murphy displays the Sidewalk Sale’s layout of businesses and vendors
Photo Credit: Kim Devine
Combined with the town’s uniquely community-oriented event, the strategy is designed to entice shoppers to come to New Canaan both on Friday, July 15—when first-floor businesses will set up tables on a portion of the sidewalk—as well as on Saturday, July 16 for the full Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale.
According to Tucker Murphy, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, the entertainment and accessible layout will set New Canaan’s event apart.
“We’re confident everyone comes to New Canaan for not only great bargains but a family affair,” Murphy said.
Scenes from the 2015 Sidewalk Sale in New Canaan, July 18. Credit: Michael Dinan
On Saturday, more than 100 organizations and vendors will line up along Main, Elm and Forest Streets, which are closed to motor vehicle traffic, and a food court will be located in the Pop-Up Park, according to the chamber.
Darien and Greenwich typically reserve the second, rather than the third, weekend of July for their own sidewalk sales. But with Independence Day falling on a Monday, neither town wanted to take the weekend bookending the Fourth of July, Murphy has said.
_______________________________________________
The NewCanaanite.com Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Baskin-Robbins.
_______________________________________________
According to the chamber’s Laura Budd, New Canaan has not lost any vendors to other towns. In past years, police have estimated 3,000 to 4,000 attendees.
Budd said she believes New Canaan’s entertainment, geared toward adults and children, makes the local event unique.
Karl Chevrolet Vice President of Sales Steve Karl told NewCanaanite.com that the dealership and repair shop once again is teaming up with the New Canaan YMCA to put on kids’ entertainment. Karl said he hopes to “change it up” this year with a new bungee jumping apparatus, photo booth and “surprise cutout visitors” on the corner of Elm and Main.
Local bands will play in the village center, including the New Canaan Town Band, School of Rock and Clusterfunk.
Oxygen Fitness Director of Client Relations Cat Alessio outside the business, located at 22 Pine Street
Photo Credit: Kim Devine
Vendors, including local business owners, have planned discounts and special events to entertain Saturday’s crowds, according to the chamber. Representatives from the Connecticut Open tennis tournament will conduct demonstrations, while Oxygen Fitness will sell apparel in its regular brand line and run workouts on Saturday, said Cat Alessio, the fitness center’s director of client relations.
The Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale will be held Saturday, July 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Streets will be closed for pedestrians’ safety and parking fees will be removed. Dogs are permitted, but not recommended due to the heat.