Annual July Sidewalk Sale enjoys great weather and another record number of shoppers

Although it was feared that the temporary closing of the Main Street bridge for repairs would have an adverse effect on the annual July Sidewalk Sale, it may have actually been a blessing in disguise.
The general consensus about this year's annual sidewalk sale, held on Saturday, July 1,3 and Sunday, July 14, was that it was a record success and many of the merchants liked the idea that everything was on Main Street.
"We had over 40 vendors stationed on both sides of Main Street," reported Event Chair Corrine Iurato, president of the Merchant Guild. "I even had to turn some people away. And this year we brought back the Picker's Paradise that we did two years ago for the Village of Warwick Sesquicentennial. I had about 10 vendors with antiques, refurbished goods and recycled products and we stationed them by the Clocktower building. We called that antique row. And the merchants are reporting that this has been a success."
Past Merchant Guild Presidents Mary Beth Schlichting, owner of Frazzleberries, and Tom Roberts, owner of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, echoed that same sentiment.
"We are thankful for this beautiful weather," said Schlichting. "And having everything on Main Street makes it seem more like a street fair."
Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel and Blue fashion shops, also reported brisk sales but added that the bridge closing may have been a double-edged sword since the detour diverted much of the automobile traffic from Main Street and that many people in those cars normally notice the vendors and stop out of curiosity to spend some time in the village.
But most merchants were pleased that all the activity took place along Main Street.
"It's been fantastic," said Mayor Michael Newhard.
"This is how it always used to be," said Matt Rinaldi, co-owner and manager of Frank's Pizzeria and Restaurant, one of the oldest businesses on Main Street.
The annual Sidewalk Sale is hosted by the Warwick Merchants Guild, a committee of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, with local shops and eateries contributing to fund the event.
- Roger Gavan