One of the community’s most anticipated summer traditions—the annual Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale downtown—is coming Saturday, July 20.
We put some questions to Laura Budd, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, ahead of the big sale.
Here’s our exchange.
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What are some of the highlights of this year’s Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 20?
New Canaan Sidewalk Sale & Village Fair—2019. Credit: Michael Dinan
The event is special because it reflects a full community effort. Along with great deals from amazing retailers you can check in with some of our favorite non-profits, hear music from local bands, enjoy food from many of our restaurants and cafes and the YMCA will have its amazing Family Entertainment Zone at the Elm/Main intersection.
What happens on Friday, the day before the official Sidewalk Sale?
New Canaan’s local retailers will be out on the Sidewalk which will allow savvy shoppers a jump start on shopping for great bargains.
Please give us an idea of the wide range of items for sale by spotlighting some of this year’s vendors.
New Canaan Sidewalk Sale & Village Fair—2019. Credit: Michael Dinan
Along with sidewalk Sale favorites such as Pennyweights, Wave, Linen Shop, Vineyard Vines and Claudette shoppers will be able to check in with local wholesale companies that are based in New Canaan such as Bella Tu, See Design, BOAST, Elizabeth McKay Treisi. The event is so large that it attracts outside merchants such as East X East, Jenni Kayne, Doughboy and CUTCO.
What would you say to someone who hasn’t attended the Sidewalk Sale before, maybe because they’re new to town or have been away in years past?
New Canaan Sidewalk Sale & Village Fair—2019. Credit: Michael Dinan
Come for the shopping but stay for the music, food and family fun. We have some new merchants this year such as The Spice & Tea Exchange, The Playhouse, Dooney & Bourke, Bella Accenti, and Ski & Sport is back after a long absence. But the day is about more than the shopping, you can meet up with friends, chat with local politicians and non profit leaders , there is something for everyone in the family.
What else, if anything, would you like to tell our readers about the Sidewalk Sale?
While we all love our 4-legged friends, please don’t bring them to town that day, it is always very hot and the environment is not conducive to a pleasant outing for them. Parking is free all day Friday and Saturday in legal spaces and there are public restrooms available at the train station. Of course, we want to thank our Sponsor William Raveis, for their continued support of the event.
Thank you, Laura, for mentioning that people leave their dogs at home while they shop the Sidewalk Sale. It’s always a hot day with many people—and it’s not a healthy environment for dogs. The pavement is too hot for their paws and the heat and direct sun are dangerous.
I wish you had a “like” button so I could support Laura’s request that people not bring their dogs to the sidewalk sale. The pavement will be very hot, and it’s not fair to the dogs.