Winnetka’s Sidewalk Sale starts Friday

People look at items for sale during last year's Sidewalk Sale in Winnetka. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Updated: August 20, 2012 11:29AM

WINNETKA — On Friday July 20 and Saturday July 21, more than 130 merchants from the business districts of East Elm, West Elm and Hubbard Woods in Winnetka — plus the business district of neighboring Northfield — will populate local sidewalks for the annual Winnetka Sidewalk Sale.

Organized by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce, the event is a highlight of the summer season on the North Shore, according to Terry Dason, executive director of the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce. Among goods available for purchase are books, sporting goods and jewelry, all at discount prices. Local charities and professional organizations will also have staff and information on hand for attendees who want to learn more about available services.

Highlights of the upcoming Sidewalk Sale include casual clothing for young women from Frannie and upscale designs for their stylish mothers and aunts from Frances Heffernan, both located in Winnetka. Bargains on high end home furnishings, gifts and accessories will be on offer from Material Possessions of Winnetka and Peachtree Place located in Northfield. Maze Home, a home goods merchant located in the East Elm business district, is also always a popular draw for Sidewalk Sale attendees.

“It’s where people go for amazing bargains,” Dason said.

Another vendor participating in the Sidewalk Sale is American Vintage Homes in Evanston, which provides heating and cooling retrofit solutions. Visitors to the American Vintage Homes booth will receive $10 gift cards, along with coupons for discounts on air conditioning and maintenance services, according to Jon Yang, who handles marketing for the company. One lucky raffle ticket holder will win a free membership for air conditioning and furnace maintenance valued at more than $250, he said.

In addition to fabulous bargains, attendees of the sidewalk sale can enjoy a beer garden catered by the Rotary Club featuring beer, wine and delicious snacks for sale. Face painting, crafts and live music will also be on hand to add to the festive atmosphere. The popular “Kid-entrepreneur” section also returns for its fourth year, and features items made by local children such as duct tape wallets.

“The event gives the kids a sense of entrepreneurship, and teaches them how to handle money and deal with the public,” Dason said.

The Chamber provides tables and other equipment available for rent to the 78 registered vendors that are Chamber members. Non-member vendors must supply their own equipment.

This year the presenting sponsor for the Sidewalk Sale is Marian Michael. Additional sponsorship is being provided by The Grand Food Center; John Q. Cook, M.D.; the Whole Beauty Institute; Illinois Bone and Joint Institute; Material Possessions; The Winnetka Wine Shop and Stormy’s Tavern and Grille. The sidewalk sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. For more information, call the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce at (847)446-4451 or send an email message to wcc@winnetkanorhtfieldchamber.com

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