Bargains to be had
that didn't stop pedestrians in search of a bargain or two.
Maybe they were looking for jewelry, a frame or special photo album.
Maybe some children's clothing or drastically discounted Christmas
cards. Perhaps they were just searching for the unexpected.
The usually bustling downtown was even busier last weekend for the
annual sidewalk sale, with many shopkeepers calling the event a success.
"It's been a great weekend for sales," said Sue Vorgas, owner of
Melange, which offers art and decorative items for the home. "We
actually had a lot of people in the store that have never been in
before."
Vorgas had just moved some items inside to the air-conditioned store —
including candle/lights — that were threatened by the sun. Candles had
been one of the more popular items for the business last weekend, along
with stepping stones and other garden decorations.
"There's definitely been more people out," Vorgas said. "It's a big weekend for us.
Up the street at Calico Corner, traffic was good as well.
"It's been very well attended," said sales associate Karen Kinney, who
was sitting outside with merchandise that included bolts of upholstery
fabric sold by the yard.
"Everybody gets an hour," she said. "It's kinda nice, as long as the sun's not out here cookin' ya."
With materials discounted at least 50 percent, customers were getting some great deals, she said.
Resident Melissa Kadera found several treasures, including a turquoise
ring for $3, she said. She also stopped at Two Bostons to find some
treats for her dog Twister, a beagle.
"I try to spoil him as much as possible," she said.
She left the pet boutique with some doggie brownies and doggie fortune cookies.
After lunch downtown and visits to a couple of stores, Mike and Janice
Fodor took a stroll along Washington. But by mid-afternoon they hadn't
stopped at the sidewalk sale for some outdoor shopping.
"We're not done yet," Mike Fodor said.
7/17/05
