The annual summer sidewalk sales continued in Athens Borough Friday, with vendors out in force at Teaoga Square offering goods and services to interested participants.
Many local merchants had items placed outside their establishments, offering them at bargain prices. The event, sponsored by the Athens Business Association, attracted 20 vendors this year, which is the most they have had in recent memory, according to ABA representative Laura Rosenbloom.
"We very pleased with the amount of traffic," Rosenbloom said about the turnout at the sidewalk sale.
She said that more people turned out at the event this year, because last year was marred by a lot of rain and the weather was colder.
Businesses at the sidewalk sale ranged from the old and well-established, to those that were just starting out.
Local artist Priscilla Ammerman of Athens, whose paintings were on display in Teaoga Square, explained that she's been creating pictures for the past 41 years.
A neighbor who was an artist got her interested in painting, Ammerman explained. She said painting helped her through bouts of depression, and her doctor urged her to continue the practice as a form of therapy. This therapy turned into a full-time activity for Ammerman, who explained that some of her paintings are on display at the Ingersol-Rand Credit Union, Bishop's in Ulster, and the Arnot Mall in New York.
"I'm going to be at the Troy Fair," Ammerman said. "And then that's going to be it for me for this year."
By contrast, Michelle Funaro-Mincher of Sayre has been a representative of Mary Kay Cosmetics for two months. In addition to selling Mary Kay products, Funaro-Mincher said she is also a mark-up artist.
"I just started my own business," she explained. "I'm still building my customer base and learning the business."
Funaro-Mincher said that her sister was involved in Mary Kay Cosmetics, which was how she became involved in it.
"It gives me the opportunity to work out of my home and take care of my children," she explained. "Which is my number one priority."
The sidewalk sale continues today with community-wide garage/yard sales scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A pet parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Athens Agway and end at Teaoga Square. A juggler will perform in Teaoga Square after the pet parade, and the band "Boots" will also be performing.
C.J. Marshall can be reached at (570) 265-1630; e-mail: cjmarshall@thedailyreview.com.
