Niwot Sidewalk Sale returns on April 17

One of last year's favorite Niwot downtown events, the Sidewalk Sale on 2nd Avenue and at Cottonwood Square, is set to return.

"We've got a better idea of what people like, what goes, what doesn't. It's starting to get a bit of a following and people are actually asking about it now," said the event's creator, Deborah Fowler of DRF Realty/Colorado Landmark Realtors.

The Sidewalk Sale is not only coming back, but it is also getting bigger and better. Instead of three dates, there will be six: April 17, May 29, June 26, July 17, Aug. 21, and Sept. 25. Each sale also will have longer hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a larger number of pop-up vendors will complement what's being sold in the brick and mortar stores

There will be more music available during each sale day. Performance areas will be set up in front of Pinocchio's, at The Emporium by Old Oak Coffee, and at The Wheel House on 2nd Avenue as well as at Niwot Market and Niwot Tavern in Cottonwood Square. While the final list of musicians was still being determined at press time, it will include locals such as Thomas Dow and Emma Kieran.

"The main thing that works about it is that we're adding an extra layer of ambiance to shopping in town," said Fowler. She also believes the event could expose plenty of out of town guests, including groups that are fans of the musicians.

The Sidewalk Sale was established last year to help retailers during the pandemic, and it proved to be especially valuable. "People were worried about going into enclosed spaces during the pandemic and the event allowed them to visit shops but stay outside." said Kathy Trauner of the retail store Fly Away Home.

Trauner appreciated how the sale helped her connect with the public. She was so appreciative that this year, she's helping Fowler organize it. "One of my best revenue days up to that point was the first sale," Trauner said. "All of them were such a boon to retailers. A Godsend. Something that people looked forward to."

Fowler said this year's event will be organized similarly to 2020's. Merchandise will be sold on racks and tables in front of the store, and customers who choose to can shop inside as well. Where possible, there will be some outdoor point of sale systems available for shoppers.

As with other events held during the pandemic, state and locally mandated health precautions will be followed. As of press time, Boulder County is at level yellow, which requires no outdoor restrictions at the state level but allows for restrictions to be put in place locally. The county has indicated that masking requirements will remain in place for indoor activity, and requests mask use outdoors when social distancing can't be maintained.

"We will follow the latest guidelines from Boulder County. Whatever they say, that's what we'll do,"Fowler said.