Sidewalk sale brings businesses in downtown Highland outdoors
A few years ago, business owner Nan Mason-Higgins discussed bringing back sidewalk sales to downtown Highland with fellow members of the Highland Redevelopment Commission.
That idea was put on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic came into play. Now it’s back on the front burner, as evidenced with the recent Sidewalk Sale, with dozens of stores and vendors participating along Highway Avenue and Jewett Street.
“I thought this event (Sidewalk Sale) would be a great way to let the community know what we have downtown,” said Mason-Higgins, who operates YaYa Sisterhood on Highway Avenue “You can’t really see everything a business has to offer from just driving by.”
Fellow business owner Liz Popovich, who operates The Green Witch Café, agreed.
“We do offer more than just food and drinks,” she said, as she set out aloe vera plants in front of the café.
Also in front of the café was 11-year-old Aiden Michel of Hammond, displaying his crystal pyamids for sale. Working on a consignment basis, the young man also has them for purchase inside the café.
Aiden took up his unique hobby a few years ago, and with the help of his mother, has developed his own business.
The Lewandowski family of Highland was visiting the Highland Library and wondered why Jewett Street was closed, so they walked down to catch the activities,
“My kids heard live music and wanted to see where it was coming from,” Janette Lewandowski said. “It’s a beautiful day and I already see some interesting booths, so we’ll stay awhile.”
The music she was referring to was a medley of tunes played by guitarist Gunner Bright-Weiser of Highland.
“I want to learn the guitar someday, so I’ll sit here and watch him,” said 12-yearold Tony Lewandowski, as his mother and sister went to look at candles.
“I want to see what it’s like to perform.”
Vendor Laura offered candles, teacups and various other household items.
“I’m just starting my business,” she said. “So, this Saturday sale is a wonderful way to introduce myself to the community.”
Mavis Jackson of Hammond recently retired and said she’s glad to now have time to revive her passion for looking for bargains at sales of all kinds.
“Estate sales and downtown sales are my favorite,” she said, as her eyes scanned over clothing from YaYa Sisterhood. “You never know what your’re going to find … and I’ve found some pretty fantastic things.