BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD––The City of Englewood was transformed into a shopper’s dream from July 27-29, when the Englewood annual sidewalk sale brought hundreds of people to the city’s downtown area each day to scoop up bargains and meet store and businesses owners.
Over 80 stores participated in the sidewalk sale, one of Englewood’s largest annual public events. All along Palisade Avenue, Van Brunt Street, Dean Street and Grand Avenue, shoppers enjoyed sorting through and trying on merchandise that was piled up on tables and racks on the sidewalks. Some stores held their sidewalk sales inside. There was an abundance of items with marked-down prices, including shoes and clothing, accessories, skincare and beauty products, toys, houseware and novelty items.
“This is a wonderful event and a big boost for businesses,” said Erica Sebag, who recently opened a consignment store on the second floor of 20 N. Van Brunt St. “Some stores, like mine, are not imm
ediately visible when you walk down the street, so this event gives us a chance to meet and greet new customers and to showcase our merchandise to a large group of shoppers.”
For the sidewalk sale, Sebag was sharing space in front of Marci
a’s Attic Boutique. There were also booths and tables dispensing information. The Englewood Parks and Recreation Department gave out brochures about upcoming programs, including McCloud Sports Camp, ice hockey and more. The Englewood Veterinary Center’s Pet Rescue staff signed people up to adopt adorable puppies of different breeds. There was even a massage chair where shoppers could take a break and get a relaxing treatment. There were several activities for kids, such as an inflatable obstacle course, the Bergen Family Center’s table for face painting and a spray painting activity center at the One River School of Art and Design. At IHOP on North Dean Street, kids could have a breakfast, lunch and dinner free or families could get 25 percent off on the check.
On Saturday, a spectacular red and black Polaris Slingshot three-wheel motorcycle from Corsa Motors that looked like a Batmobile was on display outside of Starbucks on East Palisade Avenue and it drew a large crowd of spectators and wishful thinkers.
During the sidewalk sale live music was provided by popular DJ John McLoughlin of Johnny Mac entertainment. McLoughlin is a former Englewood Fire captain and his upbeat personality makes every event feel like a party.
The sidewalk sale is sponsored by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, whose president, Carol Rauscher, was on hand each day to ensure that everything ran smoothly. The sidewalk sale is one of many events that the Chamber hosts throughout the year.
Throughout the three-day sidewalk sale, people flocked to the stores and enjoyed food at local restaurants. Jewel Spiegel, whose custom framing gallery has been on Dean Street since 1965, said, “The Englewood sidewalk sale is great for our community because it brings out so many residents and visitors, and it highlights how exciting and active our city is.”
Photos by Hillary Viders