Annual Sidewalk Sale held under mostly clear skies

WARWICK — Fears that rain on Saturday would threaten the annual event, especially the book sale and pie-eating contest, proved unfounded.

The Warwick Merchants’ annual Sidewalk Sale took place under sunny skies on Friday and Sunday and on a cloudy but mild Saturday during the weekend of July 12-14. And new for this year, the pie-eating contest, courtesy of Noble Pies, was, as expected, a fun event for both the participants and onlookers.

This year Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel and co-chair of the event, had offered Literacy Orange an opportunity to hold a used book sale on Railroad Green on Saturday and Sunday during the Sidewalk Sale.

Literacy Orange is a not-for-profit agency, based in Middletown, dedicated to raising the literacy rate in the community through one-to-one or small group adult tutoring.

And, to help support Literacy Orange, there were two pie-eating contests, one for adults and another for an under 12 age group.

The contests were held Saturday on Railroad Green.

The winner of the adult contest was Jose Ruiz of Monroe. And the winner in the youngster’s contest was Will Noteboom, 12, of Warwick.

Each was awarded one free pie per month at Noble Pies for three months. All proceeds from the entrance fees were donated to Literacy Orange.

The annual Sidewalk Sale was hosted by the Warwick Merchants Guild with local shops and eateries contributing to fund the event.

“Through the efforts of the Merchant Guild and volunteer committees,” said Mullally, “these downtown businesses help to preserve the charm and vitality of the Village by keeping Warwick friendly and interesting throughout the year.”

- Roger Gavan