Bridgeton, NJ – On Saturday, August 17th, the City of Bridgeton held its 2024 Sidewalk Sale. It was an honor for LAEDA to be on the planning committee alongside the Bridgeton Chamber, the Bridgeton Main Street, the Bridgeton UEZ, as well as the Rotary. Right from the initial planning stage, enthusiasm was high as members proposed different activities and promotions to draw in the public. With over half a year of planning and setting up, the event was a great success. This fantastic outcome did not come without obstacles, though. The date of the event had to be changed once due to construction work on the city roads, and on the morning of the event, it rained heavily until 11AM (luckily most tables were already set up before the downpour started). However, these challenges did not dampen the spirits, and the show went on. 

There were two different clusters of organizations tabling in Bridgeton, one group at Pocket Park and the other by the Waterfront. LAEDA set up at Pocket Park next to CompleteCare as well as all the other planning committee members, all of whom were able to attract pedestrians checking out the sidewalk sale. There were two other local vendors at the park, Mundo de Impresiones (@mundodeimpresiones2024) and LaLa Beading Creations, both of whom made good sales throughout the entire event. Down at the Waterfront, the more corporate organizations were set up to hand out goodies and provide entertainment. Over 30 businesses on Commerce, Pearl, and Laurel had vending tables or employees selling products in front of their locations, with many of the vendors selling out before the evening. 

There were also various options for family fun, such as the magic show at the library, pony rides by the waterfront, as well as balloons and giveaways from different vendors. Everyone who participated in the sidewalk sale and made a purchase was also eligible for a prize donated by the stores on Bridgeton’s Main Street (actually Commerce Street). There were items such as free makeovers, restaurant gift cards, vouchers and coupons, all generously donated to support the event. 

All in all, it was a fantastic experience, perhaps even more so after the dreary rainy morning. It was a day where all the organizations and shops supported one another, to put on the best event for the surrounding communities, whom in turn can prop up the shops through their spending. It is through these small businesses and the local shoppers that communities are able to survive and thrive, and feel revitalized once again, and that is why LAEDA is hugely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the impact for good.