The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area will be celebrating its 50th anniversary by reviving an old favourite.
For the first time in almost 15 years, Stratford’s downtown will be hosting a massive sidewalk sale, inviting its businesses to take their wares to the streets on Saturday, Aug. 12, while offering “happy summer vibes,” BIA officials said.
“The sidewalk sale … is going to be a dining and shopping extravaganza,” BIA general manager Jamie Pritchard said in a release. “It’s been almost 15 years since there has been an all-out collaborative effort to make ti a downtown-wide event.”
Visitors will be able to explore hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques – and browse some “awesome deals” during the one-day event, BIA officials added. The Family Fair in the Square event, which will offer plenty of fun activities, will also be part of the celebrations. At 2:30 pm, Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma will be cutting an anniversary cake and helping hand out cupcakes at the square.
“We will have BIA green and blue balloons tied to the posts up and down streets,” Pritchard said. “Family Fair in the Square and free cupcakes (will) help create the best family-fun atmosphere.”
Founded in 1973, the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area includes downtown small business and property owners as a volunteer board. These board members work with a dedicated staff and the City of Stratford to create a “thriving, competition and safe business area” that attracts local shoppers, diners, tourists and new businesses, officials said.