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Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Summer Sidewalk Sales are inside, too, throughout downtown Naperville, July 6-8

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Above / Inside and out, you’re bound to have a great time at sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sales while discovering 15 painted “book” benches that provide attractive rest stops in addition to novel themes.

Just steps from downtown Naperville, the Riverwalk with paddle boat rentals, Moser Tower and winding brick paths welcome visitors, too.

Even before the carillon bells chimed for the 9 o’clock hour this morning along the Riverwalk, many merchants were set up along the sidewalk and inside their shops, anticipating the tradition of the annual Summer Sidewalk Sales in downtown Naperville that run from 10AM daily for the next three days.

Glorious sunshine created an inviting environment on Thursday. Now for three days through July 8, shoppers can find bargains galore at the Main Street Promenade, under awnings all along Jefferson Avenue and on streets throughout downtown Naperville that lead to River Square.

Tents are set up behind Anderson’s Bookshop near the Paw Paw Parking Lot and in the private parking lot at Dean’s Fine Clothing, located at Main and Jackson.

The City of Naperville welcomes folks to learn about its programs at Main and Jefferson.

The City of Naperville is hosting an exhibit in front of the now-closed Russell’s Cleaners, Main at Jefferson, with giveaways to promote public safety, renewable energy and other services that enhance the quality of life in this community.

Many kid-friendly items have been provided by the Naperville Fire Department and Crime Stoppers along with adult-friendly advice to “Lock It or Lose It.”

Sidewalk Sale Memories from 2013

Several years ago, PN’s first stop was Dean’s Fine Clothing where Dean DeGeeter overlooked racks and tables of merchandise for women and men discounted by 50 percent.

DeGeeter, who established Naperville’s oldest clothing store in 1959, reminisced about bygone days when shoppers lined up all along the sidewalks to find deals under the big tent. Today Dean’s is one of four enterprises still thriving in downtown. Imagine the changes since the days of the first sidewalk sales days.

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Dean DeGeeter (PN File Photo)

“Back then we had a couple of cash registers going all the time and people waited to enter,” he said. “Naperville had a much smaller population, but sidewalk sales were a much bigger deal when they first started.”

DeGeeter was mindful of the way marketing downtown sidewalk sales has changed. “The Naperville Sun used to put together full-page spreads, even several pages of advertising sometimes,” he recalled.

Then DeGeeter gestured to the building adjacent to Dean’s property along Jackson Ave. (now the Pottery Barn), explaining it had been owned by Naperville Sun publisher Harold White, and that the Naperville Sun offices had been located there until the mid-1990s before they moved out to Ogden Ave. “Today, the Sun no longer has offices in Naperville,” he added.

Find bargains inside and under the big tent at Dean’s Fine Clothing, Main at Jackson.

Considering more than 60 years of sidewalk sales under his belt, few merchants in downtown Naperville will have more memories than DeGeeter , though he no longer is involved with the day-to-day operations of the independent men and women’s clothing store. His son, Greg DeGeeter, now runs the business.

Over at Gotskind’s Shoes and Clothing, another long-time merchant in downtown along Jefferson Ave., the manager was straightening a display of boxes of sneakers and sandals.  “Summer sidewalk sales are just part of doing business,” he said. “You expect to participate in them every year.”

Large window signs in the shops boast huge savings of 60 percent, 70 percent and even 80 percent off.

Free Concert in Central Park at 7:30PM Thursday

At 7:30PM every Thursday through Aug. 17, the Naperville Municipal Band performs in Central Park.

With hundreds of shopping destinations and more than 40 eateries, downtown Naperville promises to provide a memorable experience. Whatever your taste— one-of-a-kind boutiques, small independently-owned businesses (where Waldo is hiding all during July!) or national favorites—you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite, even if you’re “just looking.”

What’s more, North Central College with several art galleries; Naper Settlement, the city’s outdoor history museum; and the Riverwalk are just steps from the central business district. Plan to spend the day with an itinerary that includes visits to the city’s many cultural amenities, including Century Walk, an exhibit of outdoor art.

Plus, at 7:30PM Thursday, the Naperville Municipal Band will perform its weekly summer concert in Central Park, also located in downtown Naperville.  For 53 years, the award-winning Naperville Municipal Band has been under the musical direction of Conductor Ron Keller.

Central Park is located at 104 E Benton Ave. in downtown Naperville, behind U.S. Bank, northeast of Washington St. and Jefferson Ave.

Think dinner and the show!

Check out the patio at Catch 35, located at 35 S. Washington at Van Buren Ave., just across from the path that leads to Central Park.

In addition, Catch 35 Naperville has created a special offer for Thursdays prior to the Naperville Municipal Band Concert. Dine at Catch 35 before the show and ask your server about the 3-course Prix Fixe Menu for only $37 and receive a complimentary bag of Catch 35 potato chips to-go for the show.

Note also that Chef Eddie will be grilling on the patio, offering sample bites of menu items and passing out complimentary bags of Catch 35 seasoned potato chips, between 7 and 7:30PM every Thursday before the concerts.

And wouldn’t you know? Catch 35 is sponsoring the weekly drawing on July 6, when the bake sale is hosted by Lizzy’s Fund.

Be sure to pick up this week’s NMB program with a raffle number in it for a chance to win prizes.

For more info about the rich history of the Naperville Municipal Band that dates back to 1859, visit www.napervilleband.org.

Find what’s waiting for you!

So come on downtown! As Petula Clark would sing, “Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city… Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose? … Things will be great when you’re downtown… No finer place for sure, downtown…”

Everything’s waiting for you—especially during Summer Sidewalk Sales under clear skies.

For more information, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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