The 36th annual Barrington Sidewalk Days begin today and it’s a big and very busy weekend for business owners offering incredible discounts all over town. But with quite a few new shops that just opened in Barrington this year, the sidewalks are buzzing today with more activity and excitement than I’ve ever seen plus deals at every turn to feed the shopping frenzy. My first stop (and purchase) today was at Notice Accessories for Living on Cook Street.
Notice opened for business in Barrington this spring. Many of the shop’s hottest items are on sale, with discounts of up to 80% off on things like lotions, candles and clothes. They’re making way for new merchandise and store owner, Mari Barnes says this is a great weekend to tackle your gift shopping to-do list. “If you get good stuff at these prices, how can you not buy gifts for the holidays?”
Right next door, Angelina shop owner, Katie Kuempel says she ordered extra merchandise just for this weekend’s community-wide sale.
Katie is offering some of Angelina’s best selling bracelets at two and three-for-one prices and says things are selling fast.
But I really scored across the street at Grassroots, known for their stylishly relaxed everyday apparel & accessories for the entire family. My husband, who told me yesterday that he needs new shorts, has about five new pairs now, all of which I bought at Grassroots today, with the help of owners, Todd and Joy Rhodes.
Also at Grassroots, I picked up an adorable strawberry-print sundress for my three-year-old daughter for ONLY $5! With a major shopping high, I decided to go check out the new Barrington Running Company that just opened on Park Avenue.
I met the owners, Mark & Leanne Konicek, who told me a little about their Tuesday night Fun Runs, free yoga classes and the free video gait analysis they offer with the purchase of any pair of shoes!
My last stop was the Douglas Automotive tent, where I convinced owner, Doug McCallister and General Manager, Pat Moody to let me take their picture in front of the NASCAR vehicle they have on display. Douglas is featuring the car, courtesy of NASCAR driver, Dave Blaney, in the Sidewalk Days New, Exotic and Classic Car Show taking place Saturday in the Jewel parking lot.
Doug and Pat told me the picture might look better without them in it, but I have to disagree! 😉
With that quick look at some of today’s Sidewalk Days action, here’s the schedule of exciting events planned through Saturday…
Thursday, July 26th – 10 am to 5 pm
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Outdoor Oil Painting Demos at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Children’s Coloring Contest & Crafts at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Used battery & Oil collection at Douglas Automotive
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Animal House Shelter Pet Adoption at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Erica the Face Painter at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Barrinton Farmers Market on Park Avenue
6:3o p.m. – Cruise Night on Cook Street
Norton’s U.S.A. in-store Hopscotch Game at the Shops of Lageschulte
Friday, July 27th – 10 am to 5 pm
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Used CFL light bulb collection at Barrington Public Works (300 N. Raymond)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Outdoor Oil Painting Demos at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Used battery and oil collection at Douglas Automotive
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Erica the Face Painter at Ice House Mall & Village Shops
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Collie Rescue at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
Nortons U.S.A. in-store Hopscotch Game at the Shops of Lageschulte
4 p.m. to Midnight – Barrington SUMMERFEST on Park Avenue outside McGonigal’s Pub
Saturday, July 28th – 10 am to 3 pm
Chamber of Commerce COMMUNITY DAY
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Barrington Sidewalk Chalk Contest at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
11 a.m. to Midnight – Barrington SUMMERFEST
12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Shop ‘Til You Drop Trolley Service at 5 Village of Barrington Shopping Districts
(Trolley stops at McGonigal’s Pub, Foundry of Barrington, Shops of Lageschulte, Ice House Mall & Jewel)
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – New, Exotic & Classic Car Show in the Jewel/Osco parking lot
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Recycle old electronics with Vintage Tek Recycling at the Foundry of Barrington
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Outdoor Oil Painting Demos at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Big Trucks at Ron Beese Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Children’s Coloring Contest & Crafts at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Erica the Face Painter at the Ice House Mall
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Metal Manipulations Workshop at the Ice House Mall
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Kids’ Outdoor Hopscotch Contest at Norton’s U.S.A. & in-store all day
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Cartooning Demo at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops
Hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce each year, Sidewalk Days is a community tradition that dates back to 1976. The shopping event allows local retailers to clear out their stores to make room for new fall and holiday merchandise. So after you shop this weekend, our local store shelves will be stocked with hundreds of great new items and as many reasons to keep coming back for more!
