June 8, 2011:  Sunshine, an enthusiastic crowd, and merchants offering a wide variety of wares set the stage for a lively sidewalk sale in Bronxville on Friday and Saturday.  From Kraft Avenue to Park Place to Pondfield Road, orange and yellow balloons decorated parking meters and guided shoppers to bargains that ranged from the practical to the indulgent.

Sponsored by the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce, the sidewalk sale provided local merchants and civic organizations an opportunity to showcase the best the community has to offer.

"This year the merchants wanted a two-day event," said Peggy Conway, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.  "They want to do everything they can to get the word out that Bronxville has a vibrant business community."

Several businesses enjoyed brisk Friday sales, despite its being a workday thereby attracting fewer people.  Bronxville Jeweler on Kraft Avenue reported strong activity and excellent results for the day.

On Saturday, Park Place served as a focal point of the weekend festivities as the site of the family festival.  Families, friends, and even pets gathered there to enjoy food, drink, and entertainment.  The street, set with tables and chairs under the shade of umbrellas, became a wide pedestrian plaza and block-long sidewalk café.  Enticing aromas of hamburgers and hot dogs sizzling at Pete's Tavern and Lange's Deli filled the air.  Chantilly Patisserie tempted patrons with an assortment of lovely cookies, croissants, and muffins.  Stylists from Fabio's Hair Studio set up shop and worked their magic with braids and hair adornments.  New merchant Sit, Stay & Play offered pet lovers the chance to spin the big wheel for treats such as biscuits and tennis balls.

"The entertainment adds to the festivities and, I believe, helps keep people in town," Conway said.

Entertainers from Ballet Arts, Bronxville High School vocal group SHA!capella, and Concordia Conservatory Rock Bands took the stage throughout the day.

Park Place merchants joined the family festival spirit.  Weezie D Boutique filled a table with jewelry, scarves, headbands, and more fashion accessories for $3 each.  Children gathered around Candyland's display of stuffed animals, toy trucks, and airplanes and came away delighted with their new treasures.

Shoppers browsed through boxes of athletic shoes at Bronxville Running Company and racks of clothing at Toney Toni and the Gang on Pondfield Road.  Across the street, Gourmet 2 Go satisfied hungry customers with sandwiches and salads.  Elegant kitchen items at bargain prices attracted shoppers at La Dentelliere.

New and returning merchants enjoyed the opportunity to greet the community and preview their offerings.  Loyal customers returned to Kensington Paper, back in their former location on Kraft Avenue.  Scarborough Fair Express, set to open this summer on Kraft, offered a sneak peak of their menu with cookies and muffins.

"Everyone is having such a marvelous time," said shopper Leigh Hall of Tuckahoe. "I wouldn't miss it."

Village civic organizations took advantage of the sidewalk sale to set up displays and chat with patrons.  Representatives of The Bronxville Women's Club chatted with old and new friends to promote its programs.  Bronxville Green Committee was on hand to inform residents and businesses about its "Love 'Em and Leave 'Em" initiative whose goal is to reduce leaf removal by 20 percent this fall in favor of recycling the leaves such as composting them.  "We hope everyone will take advantage of the workshops we'll offer," said Helen Coope, committee member.

"It's great to see new and returning businesses in Bronxville," said Peggy Conway.  "And it's great to see young people starting businesses.  The Chamber and the merchants want to do everything they can to promote local business."

To see photos of those attending the sidewalk sale, hit the link below:

http://myhometownbronxville.com/index.php?option=com_morfeoshow&task=view&gallery=153&Itemid=36

Pictured here:  Sarah Thornton-Clifford (L) and Sue DeJoy manning a table at the Bronxville sidewalk sale.