NORTHVILLIANS,

Clearly, this has been a summer with unprecedented happenings… so let’s look back at sidewalk sales in town that have closed out the summer season in times past.  Historically, Northville has had an annual sidewalk sale where local residents and up to 10,000 visitors attended (according to the Northville Record), always with a carnival-like atmosphere. Even the Northville Electric Shop (that being the Turnbull family business where “Baby Baby” is located today) would bring out their small appliances, lamps & radios for special discounts.

A Highlight Reel of Sidewalk Sales in Northville:

• 1959 – The Retail Merchants Association celebrated the installation of new sidewalks with a special outdoor sale that kept gaining momentum for the next 40 years. 
• 1960 – 5,000 free glasses of ginger ale and pony rides were part of the festivities.
• 1964 – Early shoppers bought loaves of bread for a nickel, and the Old Mill restaurant sold 1,000 hotdogs.
• 1965 - A precursor of the Downtown social district we have today was established with closing of Main Street to all traffic. Retailers displayed their merchandise on tables lined up along the street.  Chairman of this annual event back then was old-time Northvillian Charlie Lapham.
• 1971 – City’s new parking deck opened and was at capacity for the sale (28 merchants, with 80 exhibitors).
• 1978 – 40 merchants & 130 vendor booths … free parking with shuttles from Northville Downs.
• 1980’s – Main Street Beautification project was completed, accommodating the growing number of vendors (238 in 1984).
• 2009 – “Buy Michigan” Festival debuts as part of the town’s Sidewalk Sale festivities.
• 2013 – Northville Record Staff writer Kurt Kuban (now owner of The Ville) highlights Northville’s Sidewalk Sale and the new Food Truck Preview.

Many of the old-timers still around remember this annual carnival-like atmosphere, cotton candy & pony rides when the streets were shut down for the Sidewalk Sale.

This past weekend there was another successful “Sidewalk Sale” event in downtown.  The Council approved for all Northville merchants the ability to display their goods on the sidewalks until November 1^st as part of the excitement of our Social District environment in downtown Northville.  Get out & shop locally, and assist our community by supporting local business owners – we’ve got to keep that Northville Faith!   With our downtown now ideal for walking & dining outside, I hope you will enjoy even more, a walk around the “Ville” as we get closer to summer’s end.  Wander through historic Northville – there’s a lot to take in!

COVID-19 / INFO

• Keep masking up, maintain social distance & reach out to those in need (Civic Concern, Seniors, Youth, local Businesses, Family & Friends).

• COVID-19:  Northville has had 50 cases/7 fatalities (one of the lowest in Wayne County), Township 220/25, Michigan 99K/6.6K, Nation 5.3M/168K. Global 20.6M/750K
• We will continue to keep connected & safe, while having open communication.
• Roads – Construction began in May and will run through November. Great progress has been made on Rogers, Cady, Larry, Grace, Allen, Potomac & High streets.  Completed already is Baseline, Stanstead, Summerside, Coldspring, Sherrie Lane, Ford Field & the Art House parking lot, along with other projects in town.  We are updating our infrastructure for the next generation.
• Long-term branding of Northville – the City Council approved the DDA’s thoughtful Branding strategy. We look forward to seeing it come to life!

Continue to enjoy your summer in the Ville, and stroll Ford Field, Mill Race Village & Downtown.  wntown.
                                                                                                
Keep that Northville Faith! Stay #NorthvilleStrong!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849