New Canaan’s always anticipated Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale kicks off next weekend, rain or shine, with bargains, food, music and more.
It all starts on Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when downtown merchants will have select bargains out on tables on the sidewalks in front of their stores.
On Saturday, July 19, the fair really gets rolling as merchants, food vendors and entertainment for both young and not so young move into the streets. It commences at 9 a.m., ending at 4 p.m.
According to Laura Budd, Executive Director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce (www.newcanaanchamber.com) which is the organizer of this 50-plus-year-old community event, the goal is to support the town’s merchants, and provide a venue for them to reduce inventory and make room for new merchandise for the coming holiday season. As well, it gives “people a chance to get some merchandise at a great price.”
One key differentiating feature of New Canaan’s Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale, says Ms. Budd, is that “we can close the street and create a very pedestrian-friendly, family-friendly environment with music and food. And it’s also a chance for our non-profits to reach out and meet people. It has that different atmosphere — it has that fair atmosphere.”
The Sidewalk Sale runs from around Elm and Park Streets over to Main and Elm Streets, Main Street between Burtis Avenue and East Avenue, and parts of Forest Street, along with the northernmost part of South Avenue.
Around one hundred vendors will participate, including local merchants, non-profits and restaurants, and food trucks.
There will also be lots of entertainment, partly centered at Elm Street and South Avenue, where the Town Band will play from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, and School of Rock will play from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. New Canaan Music will be on Main Street and will have some of its artists playing. The Connecticut Singing Santas are also planning to join the festivities.
Other offerings include a sensory booth for people with sensory issues, a face painter for children and someone making balloon animals. New Canaan YMCA will be at the Elm and Main Street intersection with a family fun zone for arts and crafts, airbrush tattoos and a Robo-Surfer.
New Canaan’s EMS will be there to help anyone in need. Ms. Budd recommends visitors leave pets at home. People needing restrooms are directed to the nearby Metro-North railway depot, which has two public toilets. Parking is free all Saturday in town in any legal space.
Ms. Budd gives “a particular shout out” to the Department of Public Works. “We literally could not do this event without them,” emphasizing “they do an incredible job.”
