Elkader plans Inside/Outside Sale-a-bration July 10

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By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

In what’s sure to be a boost to the local economy, Elkader’s Inside/Outside Sale-a-bration takes over the town Friday, July 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it could net participants some of the $500 in Elkader chamber dollars being given away throughout the day. 

If some of this sounds familiar, it should. Sale-a-bration is not a new event, but has been rebranded due, in large part, to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, unpredictable weather and the decision of the merchants. 

Formerly known as Maxwell Street Day, it’s a tradition that dates back to 1958, when storekeepers would sell their merchandise on the sidewalks. More recently, it was called Sidewalk Sales, which seems more apropos, considering the nature of the event itself. But given the state of society, calling something a sidewalk sale that isn’t taking place on the sidewalk just didn’t meet the needs of the occasion, so it was changed. Regardless of the name, according to Elkader Chamber of Commerce Coordinator Ann Gibney, it’s still a “great time to get out to shop and get some good buys.”

It’s also a good chance to win some of the $500 in chamber dollars, which will be given out at random. The process, as described by Gibney, is that a participating business will be called and the customer being waited on will be handed an envelope with chamber dollars in it to be used on their next purchase. 

Additionally, the chamber dollars are only valid on July 10, so shoppers, Gibney advised, “should come early to shop to increase their chances of winning.” And because the dollars must be spent the same day, it directly supports the community and local businesses through reinvestment and added revenue. 

As for concerns about COVID-19 and the impact it could have on an event such as shopping, which typically draws a crowd, Gibney hopes the community will still show support and that tourists know they are welcome to come and shop and dine and enjoy the day. While the town doesn’t have a set policy for events of this nature in regard to the ongoing pandemic, it is recommended that shoppers adhere to social distancing guidelines. Each store has its own requirements, so shoppers and visitors should come prepared with masks and sanitizer as safety measures to ensure a quality experience for all shoppers in attendance.

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