Barrington Sidewalk Days opens Thursday

The 32nd annual Barrington Sidewalk Days kicks off today, Thursday, with three full days of sales, food, family entertainment, arts & crafts and a chalk art festival - all downtown Barrington.

More than 200 stores and street vendors will shop their wares, with discounts up to 75 and 80 percent. Retailers and service providers from all over Barrington will participate; vendors will be spread out around downtown Barrington and along Routes 14 and 59.

The shops will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 23-25.

A farmers market will be featured from 2-7 p.m. Thursday and Cruise Night, featuring 4-speeds, is 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday.

New this year is the Barrington Chalk Art Festival, on the sidewalks at Applebee Street in downtown Barrington, at the Ice House Mall & Village Shops.

Janet Meyer, president of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, said competitors will be divided into age groups: 8-under; 9-14; 15-18; open; and family/group.

"Best of Show" winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Friday, July 24. Winners will receive $25 gift certificates redeemable at the Mall.

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 25, artisans will line the sidewalks of the Mall selling unique homemade creations. The Foundry is welcoming seasoned and emerging artists; there is no fee for participation.

"Given the economy and the number of residents enjoying 'staycations' this year, we are anticipating a record turnout of shoppers and families this year," Meyer said.

For details call the chamber at (847) 381-2525 or visit www.barringtonchamber.com.