Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar
A New Focus for the 50th Anniversary

Gloucester’s Main Street will celebrate the 50th Annual Sidewalk Bazaar on July 31, August 1, and 2. In honor of this golden anniversary, the Retail Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has been working for months to enhance the event and give it a new look and feel. Thanks to their efforts this year’s Sidewalk Bazaar will be like none in recent memory.

‘The committee wants an atmosphere that is more festive, more sophisticated and better showcases all that Main Street and the Cape Ann arts community have to offer,’ explained, Kathy Cuddyer, owner of Stone Leaf and Chairperson of the Chamber’s Retail Division. To help create that atmosphere, the Chamber, with the assistance of seARTS, has reached out to Cape Ann artists and artisans to encourage them to showcase their talents on Main Street. ‘This year’s Bazaar is a great opportunity for local artists and artisans to showcase their work to a large and varied audience,’ said Sara Young, Executive Director of seARTS. ‘The work of local painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, jewelers, potters and more, together with the fine wares available from Main Street merchants, will offer shoppers a great new experience at this year’s festival,’ she continued.

Shoppers are bound to work up an appetite at the Bazaar and our fine Main Street restaurateurs are ready. Many will be adding tables outside and creating special menu offerings. ‘In the past, browsers have too often passed by the restaurants. We want to highlight them too. The diverse dining options available are an integral part of what makes Main Street special,’ said Cuddyer.

One thing that absolutely won’t change is the participation of local non-profit organizations. Rebecca Baylies, Cape Ann Animal Aid and member of the organizing committee, said, ‘Many organizations use the Bazaar to get the word out about the important work that they do. A really wonderful aspect of the event is the way it brings together retailers, non-profits and the community.’

Area artists, florists and garden centers, non-profits and, of course, Main Street businesses are encouraged to take part in the 50th Anniversary Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar. For registration details, please contact the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at (978) 283 1601 or info@CapeAnnChamber.com.