Vibrant street life took center stage this weekend during the annual Wilmette Sidewalk Sale held from Friday, July 12 to Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More than just a chance to shop for bargains, this year’s event went beyond the decade-long Central Sidewalk Sale tradition, offering a robust lineup of local businesses, local vendors, artisans, and young entrepreneurs along with entertainment showcasing local youth talent.
“Our goal with the sidewalk sale is to host an event that adds to the quality of life for our residents and helps our businesses thrive,” Executive Director of the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Herren Gatesman said.
The celebration incorporated many activities including morning yoga on the Village Green, the Frog Lady Reptile show, visits from everybody’s favorite cartoon dog, Bluey and performances by students from Studio North Academy for Performing Arts, North Shore Music and Skunkworks Dance. There were also evening concerts by Antler Chandelier and the Michelles and others – proving this street party had something for everyone.
According to Gatesman, a total of 36 vendors and artisans took part in the event which shines a light on Wilmette’s impressive retail corridor, and brings attention to the best of neighborhood life on the North Shore.
Matt Lambrecht of Lambrecht’s Jewelers, Inc. took part.
“I can’t help but wonder what my great-grandfather would think to know that the family jewelry store that he started would be celebrating its 132nd anniversary this year and its 70th year at the Central Avenue location in Wilmette,” Lambrecht said. “The weather has been great and gives people a chance to get out into the street and gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and to move some product.”
Marko Djurovic, area retail manager at the YWCA Shop for Good, says they are celebrating their six-year anniversary in Wilmette.
“We love the Wilmette family-centered community and our customers now keep coming back and we have gotten to know them,” Djurovic said. “We love it here, Wilmette has become our second home and 100% of all of our proceeds go to support our domestic violence programs.”
Entertainment continued into the evening hours on the Village Green as part of the Wilmette acoustics on the corner series.
“This year we have learned to promote the event beyond Wilmette and have expanded our promotion exponentially, across the North Shore,” Gatesman said. “We can mark the success of the event, also by making the streets easily accessible to retailers and exhibitors while convenient and inviting to the public.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
