Article and Photos By Beth Besen
What glorious days these are for Chappaqua to kick off its annual Sidewalk Sale event. Town is hopping with shoppers, and merchants have lots of great buys to tempt one and all.
The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber and Inside Chappaqua breakfast kick-off was a tasty way to start the morning–the mouthwatering menu at Le Jardin du Roi is always spot-on, and the conversation flowed along with the cappuccino. Says Chamber Executive Director Dawn Greenberg, “We always love Chappaqua Sales Days; it’s a tradition, calendars are marked and people know to show up bright and early on the first Thursday. And, because it stretches through Saturday, with more added all the time, it’s a true long weekend event.”
Early shoppers were enthusiastic. Jill Sokol, a Katonah resident marks her calendar every year, and comes to visit a Chappaqua friend and to shop. As she shares, “it’s not that far.”
Squires owner Michael Kushner points out. “This is probably the first sidewalk sale in many many years where we’ve had nice weather.” And, he adds, “It seems there’s more merchant participation this year as well.” Out on the sidewalk, Joe Galgano was busy helping customers.
The sidewalk tables outside ICD Contemporary Jewelry are bustling. Viriginia Shasha, taking a break from helping a customer, exclaims, “Great community event – we love seeing everyone come!”
Newcomers to town, House of 29 and Hip-Kid, are not-to-missed. House of 29 owner Sarah Mass, with her gift for style and design, has her finger on the pulse of cutting edge jewelry and fashion. Similarly, Hip-Kid owner Trish Kallman, with a background in art direction, is the essence of creative cool, and her children’s fashions reflect both that and a decision to source only socially and environmentally conscious brands. Kallman’s new shop will be both a retail and event space and, while still under construction, she is participating in the Sidewalk Sale because, as she enthuses, “I wanted to be part of it!”
This, and the accompanying photos are but a brief snapshot of the goodies (from wine to lingerie) and good times in town. Even goldendoodle Casey and havanese Harley enjoy walking shopping with Mom, Ellen Fiorella. So, bring yourself, your family, your friends and, yes, your dogs. And come shop local.
Beth Besen is Executive Editor of Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk magazines.
