San Juan, A Place to Shop: Vendors offering clothing, food and more will take to sidewalks for event

It's time to get your shop on. In San Juan?

For the first time ever, San Juan Economic Development Corp., in conjunction with downtown businesses, will host a sidewalk sale Saturday morning, said EDC project specialist Harvey Rodriguez.

"It's an event to showcase local businesses and bring some attention to the downtown district," he said. "We want people to know there is more to San Juan."

Rodriguez says a majority of the city's traffic visits the Basilica of San Juan and encourages them to stay just a bit longer.

"There are restaurants that are landmarks and areas that people wouldn't otherwise see," he said. "We're trying to give everyone a different outlook about San Juan and taking steps in the right direction.

"We're really putting ourselves out there, and hopefully not just a one stop shop and leave kind of place."

The sidewalk sale will feature approximately 30 vendors selling clothes, crafts, gift items and food. The areas between Second and Fourth streets will be blocked off to allow shoppers to wander around, traffic free. Businesses like Jay's Furniture, Cruz Clothing and |K-9 Pet Grooming will offer extra special savings on select items.

"We've asked all of the downtown merchants to open their doors and offer great deals," Rodriguez said. "A lot of older businesses have been there for years and this will be a chance for people to see what they have."

In addition to the sidewalk sale local radio stations, KGBT 98.5 FM, KBUC 102.1 FM and JACK 104.9 FM will provide plenty of music while people shop, Rodriguez said.

There will be kiddie rides and a car show starting at 10 a.m. and throughout the afternoon.

The event kicks off with Empowering San Juan, a joint breakfast ceremony hosted by city leaders and Basilica directors at the Basilica Café off of Nebraska Ave. to emphasize the partnership between the two entities. That ceremony is also open to the public, Rodriguez said.

At 5 p.m., following the side walk sale, the San Juan Police Department will host the annual National Night Out at San Juan Municipal Park on Business 83.

The police department invites parents to bring their children to receive complimentary school supplies for local families.

"It's going to be a busy day but we're excited to help foster community awareness," Rodriguez said. "We hope everywhere will just get bigger."

Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.