By Alyssa Boles

The sidewalks of historic downtown McMinnville will soon be filled with good deals and the sound of music.

The Saturday Sundown Sidewalk Sale is scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is a coordinated effort between Main Street McMinnville and downtown shop owners.

“We wanted to get people downtown on a Saturday evening to shop,” said Main Street McMinnville executive director Teresa Prober. “We wanted more than just a sidewalk sale, hence the live music aspect.” 

Participating owners will set up a table or racks on the sidewalk outside of their shops and will also have their stores open for visitors to shop as well. In addition, there will be six musicians set up around various locations downtown for everyone to enjoy.

“As it stands now, when people come downtown on a Saturday, the majority of shops are closed by 3 p.m. Think of all the tourists who venture downtown then leave because there is no place to spend their money,” said Prober. 

Businesses are on board with the idea. So far, 13 are participating.

“I think it’s a great idea and am grateful to our Main Street McMinnville leadership for implementing such a great idea in hopes of regaining some of the financial loss downtown businesses have endured as a result of COVID-19,” said Vicki Benedict, owner of The Weathered Arrow. 

If this event is considered a success, more may follow.

“My hope is that this will become a regular event,” said Prober. “I would like to see this kick off as the second Saturday of the month. Shops will agree to stay open late between 5 and 8 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month from March thru December. In addition, some form of entertainment will be downtown, live music, art, etc.”

For more information, Main Street McMinnville can be reached at (931) 506-5335.