Annual Sidewalk Sale enjoys grand turnout

Warwick - Perhaps it was clear blue sunny skies and mild temperatures. Maybe it was months of planning by the Warwick Merchant Guild. Nevertheless, Warwick’s annual “Sidewalk Sale” was declared a huge success by all who participated. The annual “Sidewalk Sale,” Warwick’s traditional and popular downtown business district event, took place Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 15. This year’s theme was, “Bargains, Books and Barbecue,” and referred to the numerous sidewalk sales and special promotions, a Wisner Public Library book sale and an upscale barbecue prepared by Frank Costantino, executive chef from the Harvest Grill at Pennings Farm Market. Special events included a static display of fire fighting apparatus and a fire safety information center on Railroad Avenue courtesy of The Warwick Valley Fire Department. Volunteer firefighters were on hand to discuss fire prevention and to recruit new volunteers. And thanks to Premier Characters of Warwick, children were able to meet familiar “friends” like Sponge Bob, Elmo, and Dora outside the Toy Chest store on Main Street during the entire weekend. “We had a great weekend,” said Mary Beth Schlichting, president of the Merchant Guild.