You know you’ve been waiting for them: the big white tents that each July turn the streets of downtown Skaneateles into a shopper’s paradise.

They, and the bargains they signify, return July 21-23 for Skaneateles’ annual Curbstone Festival.

The event—featuring more than 30 merchants and organized by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce—runs along Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.,

“The Curbstone Festival is a longstanding tradition in the village and an experience not to be missed,” says Susan Dove, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s so popular that people start asking about the date in January and plan their vacations around it.

“While the sidewalk sales are the draw, the Curbstone Festival is so much more,” she notes. “We have something for everyone—visitors can stroll by the lake or take a Mid-Lakes Navigation cruise, try the village’s fine restaurants, and stay overnight at one of our historic inns or B&Bs. And this year, we’ve expanded the entertainment.”

Visitors can park at metered spots along the street or in the municipal lot (accessed through Genesee or State streets), where two-hour parking is free and all-day parking is $2. Free parking is available at the old firehouse on Fennell Street and on various side streets.

Sales galore at Skaneateles’ Curbstone Festival,  July 16-18, 2009

What would you like to get a great deal on?

Jewelry? Handbags? Holiday cards? Decorative accessories? Cooking utensils? Men’s and women’s clothing? Krinkles by Patience Brewster?
 
They’ll all be available, along with much more, at Skaneateles’ Curbstone Festival, July 16-18. The sidewalk sales along Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets run Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New this year will be stepped-up activity on Fennell Street: Creekside Books & Coffee, Skaneateles Artisans and Skaneateles Town Square will sport tents; Creekside will provide complimentary refreshments from the coffeehouse; and Skaneateles Town Square will host demonstrations and a hot-dog stand.

Additionally, restaurants—including the Bluewater Grill, Johnny Angel’s and Doug’s Fish Fry—will offer food specials, and Anyela’s Vineyards will get into the act (at their winery, on West Lake Road).

The family-friendly event offers entertainment, too. The Jackman Twins will roam the streets each day from noon to 4 p.m., creating balloon hats and animals, juggling, and performing magic tricks. On Friday, the Skaneateles Community Band will play at the Gazebo, starting at 7:30 p.m.

But the main draw, as always, will be the bargains under the big white tents.

For more than 30 years, they have attracted thousands of visitors to the lakeside village.

“We get visitors from all over. Families plan their summer vacations around this event,” says Candace Searing of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Many see it as an opportunity to begin their Christmas shopping early.”

“It’s a big local event, too,” says Karen Foltz, owner of Pomodoro and Pomodoro, Too. “I have regular customers who never miss it.”

Visitors can park at metered spots along the street or in the municipal lot (accessed through Genesee or State streets), where two-hour parking is free and all-day parking is $2. Free parking is available at the old firehouse on Fennell Street and on various side streets.

For more information on the Curbstone Festival or other events taking place in Skaneateles this summer, go to http://www.skaneateles.com.