The Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) and businesses in the Hammond Market are working together to host the “2nd Saturday Sidewalk Sale” this upcoming Saturday.
The 2nd Saturday Sidewalk Sale features sales from 17 businesses on the second Saturday of each month. The businesses will have various items available for sale to the public.
The first sidewalk sale was held Saturday, Sept. 11, and was well worth attending, according to Hammond resident and sale attendee Caroline Sanders.
“The weather outside was perfect for walking around and checking out the different business,” said Sanders. “All of the businesses I have been to so far have had great sales, and I’ve bought a few items along the way.”
The three upcoming 2nd Saturday Sidewalk Sale events will be held Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Each sidewalk sale will last from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
According to DDD event coordinator Melissa Griffin, the idea for the sidewalk sales came up after reviews came in about a prior DDD event.
“The merchants love the exposure that our monthly block party event ‘Take It to the Tracks’ brought to downtown Hammond,” said Griffin. “As that event season was coming to a close, the DDD saw a need for another monthly event to keep the momentum going. What better way to welcome the cooler weather and kick off the holiday season than to host a sidewalk sale?”
Pat Macaluso, an artist working with the Oak Street Gallery, described what the art gallery would have in store for the sidewalk sales.
“Every month, we will have a featured artist whose work will be displayed,” said Macaluso. “We will have everything on sale from pastels to acrylics. In addition to the sales, customers will not have to pay a sales tax on any item that they purchase.”
Griffin explained that she hopes the sidewalk sales will help people in Hammond explore not only the Hammond market, but also downtown Hammond in general.
“The DDD hopes to offer guests an enjoyable way to shop downtown, giving them the opportunity to spend the day with friends and family while strolling the streets of downtown Hammond,” said Griffin. “We hope guests make a day of it by going to the Hammond Market and then stopping by one of the various restaurants downtown for lunch.”
Additional information on the remaining 2nd Saturday Sidewalk Sales can be found by visiting www.dddhammond.com or contacting DDD Director Terry Lynn Smith by calling the DDD office at 985-542-3471.