Return of the Street Festival

Why do so many movie and book titles contain the word “return”?  

Because it’s exciting when someone or something comes back after being away for a while, that’s why! Think about it. There’s Return of the King. Return of the Jedi. Return of the Dragon. Return of the Vampire. Batman Returns.

And now there’s Return of the Annual Sidewalk Sale and Street Festival!

That’s right. On Saturday, July 29, at 9 a.m., East Aurora will kick off its 54th Annual Sidewalk Sale and Street Festival, an event scheduled to last until 4 p.m.

How exciting is that, we ask you. Something that goes on for 54 years qualifies as a tradition, because, well—that’s a long time, right? Since the first Sidewalk Sale and Street Festival, you’ve slept 18 years. That almost makes you Rip Van Winkel.

The sidewalk sale and festival pre-dates many other events, including Music-Fest and the Roycroft Crafts Show. For the first few years, Main Street was not closed to traffic as it is now, and all sales literally took place on the sidewalks in front of Main Street’s brick-and-mortar stores.  

In the late 70s, organizers added music by high school or local bands; entertainers such as clowns and jugglers; and food stations.  

Now there are many more outside vendors in addition to local stores. This year more than 100 vendors—including Vidler’s 5 & 10—are expected along Main Street, which will be closed from Elm and Riley streets to Olean Street.  

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Highlights of the sidewalk sale and festival include  

• the National Anthem, at 9:45 a.m.;
• a West Herr Buick GMC, West Herr Cadillac new car display, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• a Holland NASCAR Race Car display, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chalk Walk Murals, sponsored by the Town of Aurora Parks and Recreation Department, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.;  
• Operation Kids, a special feature focusing on businesses run by local children, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
• DJ entertainment throughout the day; and, of course
• that store with a Vidler on the roof!

As usual, Vidler’s 5 & 10 will be right in the middle of the whole business, both literally and figuratively, jazzing it up with our trademark good cheer, bad jokes, and irresistible merch. Come see us!

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