Shoppers return

After a one-year hiatus, the result of COVID-19 restrictions, the annual July Sidewalk Sale returned to the Village of Warwick.

And the general consensus about this year’s event held on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, was that it was a huge success.

Visitors enjoyed generally good weather and comfortable temperatures as they shopped along Main Street and Railroad Avenue, not only visiting more than 40 vendors, including antique dealers and non-profits, but also local shops and restaurants.

‘The town was bustling’

“It was great,” said Mary Beth Schlichting, co-owner of Frazzleberries gift shop. “And there were so many familiar faces of people who were just happy to get back to normal and enjoy a day out. It reminded me of a wedding where you see people you haven’t seen in a very long time.”

Other business owners like Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel fashion shop, also reported brisk sales inside as well as outside their stores as a result of the increased traffic from the sidewalk sale.

“The sun shined on us Warwick merchants,” said Mullally. “And we welcomed the warm weather and eager patrons after last year’s hiatus. Corrine Iurato did a great job as per usual organizing this event. I know it’s not easy after doing it for over 20 years myself. But yes, the town was bustling and everyone seemed just happy to be out and about.”

The annual Sidewalk Sale is hosted by the Warwick Merchants Guild, a committee of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce.

‘COVID seems to be releasing its grip’

“I am so happy with the turnout of people for the return of our Picker’s Paradise Sidewalk Sale,” said Merchant Guild President Corrine Iurato. “We had great weather both days. All the vendors and merchants were happy and that’s what makes this event so special. Thank you so much to Mary Beth and Jerry Schlichting and Nicole Repose for all their help. It’s a team effort to host these events and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Although the Merchant Guild has decided it would be prudent to skip this year for its popular Ladies Night Out, Mayor Michael Newhard is encouraged by the return of many other outdoor events.

“The Merchant’s Sidewalk Sale was a great success,” he said. “As COVID seems to be releasing its grip there are clear signs of optimism. Besides the Sidewalk Sale, Main Street was closed for outdoor dining and there was an evening concert at Stanley Deming Park. All of these activities speak about community and how we enjoy each other’s company.”