An end-of-the-month celebration in Oakmont is expected to give businesses a boost.
The Oakmont Chamber of Commerce’s annual street sale is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 31 along Allegheny River Boulevard.
The main thoroughfare will be blocked to traffic from California to Pennsylvania avenues for the event.
About 50 vendors have signed up to participate, all being chamber members, with more joining daily, according to director Karen DeTurck.
“It’s like every day I come in and there are new members,” she said. “It’s really been going great. We’ve got them from all over. They come down for the Night Markets and the Street Sale. It’s just been crazy. I think people are ready to get out there and sell their stuff.”
Castle Toys and Games is one of the sponsors of the event. Disney characters Rapunzel, Moana and Marvel’s Spider-Man are expected to stop by the shop at 502 Allegheny River Blvd.
“We’re just trying to make this the best Street Sale ever because this last year has been so depressing for a lot of our people,” co-owner Jeff Lyden said. “It’s going to be so nice to get out there and have some fun, finally.”
Most of Castle Toys’ products will be on clearance as part of the event with deals from 25% to 75% off.
Lyden said they also will be showcasing their Party Place, a room for birthdays and special occasions.
The toy store opened in Oakmont in 2018. Jeff and his wife, Linda, also have a shop in Beaver.
They have participated in many chamber events.
“We participate in every event we possibly can because we’re pro-Oakmont,” Jeff Lyden said. “We promote the town any way we can. People love our store. It’s just been difficult with the pandemic to get people in. I think (the street sale) will be very well attended.”
The street sale’s major sponsor is Greater Pitt Tree Service.
The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Organizers hope to make up for lost time by offering more activities than ever before.
The event area will be split in two to make room for vendors and a car cruise. Cars will be lined up from Washington to California avenues. The cruise is presented by Springer Insurance Agency.
Ice carving demonstrations by Rich Bubin of Ice Creations are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. He is presented by Lending Heights.
Other activities include live music at the clock tower, a balloon artist, Chinese auction, oldies DJ, face painting and temporary tattoos.
More information is available at oakmont-pa.com.
