‘A feel-good community event’: 58th Cobourg Sidewalk Sale returns

The 58^th Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale is returning and will also feature live music, food trucks, extended outdoor patios, and more. /Natalie Hamilton photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

A long-time tradition has returned to light up downtown Cobourg this weekend.

This year marks the 58^th edition of the Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale, which runs Thursday, July 30 to Saturday, Aug. 1.

“We usually see about 15,000 people through the three days,” Cobourg DBIA manager Carleigh Hunter-Broadfoot told the Independent. “We’ve got about 40 local vendors, and I’d say about 90 per cent participation of businesses on the street coming out as well.”

From the bustling outdoor market – which also features artisans and other vendors – to food trucks and extended outside patios, live music and the return of the kids’ zone, the lineup is again stacked this year. 

For the downtown core, it’s one of “the most anticipated community gatherings of the season” – and expect “days full of entertainment.”

“It’s just a feel-good community event … it’s a good opportunity to come out, enjoy the weather, support local and see some of your neighbours,” added Hunter-Broadfoot.

In terms of shopping, Hunter-Broadfoot noted a lot of merchants use this time to offload, so people can also expect some great sales.

The Cobourg Farmers’ Market will add to festivities on Saturday.  

“It really does instill that sense of community, really highlights to our community and tourists as well, that we do have a beautiful, safe, clean downtown, and that the shop owners that are running the downtown are part of the community,” continued Hunter-Broadfoot, when asked about the significance of the long-running event. “They give back to the community.

“We aren’t big-box corporation stores … when you support one of the local cafes, you’re supporting their child going to university that your child may go to school with. It’s just that sense of community – (that) small-town feel – just giving back and thanking the community that supports us and has allowed us to grow and maintain events for the past 58 years …”

In terms of what else residents should expect, there will be road closures in effect to accommodate the event until Sunday, Aug. 2 at 8 a.m.

Impacted areas include King Street from Spring to Division streets, Third Street from King to Albert streets, Second Street from King to Albert streets, and George Street will also be closed to through-traffic at Covert Street. While local businesses will remain open, the Town of Cobourg is urging motorists to use alternate routes and respect posted signage while closures are in place.

People are also being encouraged to walk, cycle or carpool where possible, as downtown streets will be busy.

More information on downtown parking is accessible via https://www.cobourg.ca/home-property/parking/.

Sidewalk sale hours Thursday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.