Businesses, Shoppers Come Together For Wilton Street Fair

WILTON, Conn. -- Wilton Center was packed with businesses and shoppers Saturday for the Chamber of Commerce's third annual Wilton Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale.

Judith White and Hella McSweeney of Wilton Center Travel said the Wilton Street Fair is good for local businesses.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Christina Devald of Yogapata was at the Wilton Street Fair letting people know about the yoga studio's upcoming workshops and events.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Wilton First Selectman Bill Brennan and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janeen Leppert.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Joan Kstant of I Am A Force4Good at the Wilton Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Woodcock Nature Center allowed kids to check out snakes and other animals at the Wilton Street Fair.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Mr. Bungles makes balloon animals for kids at the street fair.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Customers peruse books for sale by the Wilton Library.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Bankwell set up a booth for kids to try and catch as much fake cash as they could for prizes.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Shoppers enjoy a summer day in Wilton Center by checking out local businesses at the Wilton Street Fair.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Casey Donahue

07/14/2014 5:00 a.m.

This year, 80 businesses participated in the fair, which also included nonprofits, a live petting zoo, balloon animals, carnival games, raffles, arts and crafts and food from local vendors.

At Wilton Center Travel's table, Judith White and Hella McSweeney greeted attendees and told them about the agency's services, which include cruises, vacation packages and customized travel plans. Popular destinations this time of year include Europe and Alaska, White said. They said events such as the Street Fair allow them to interact with potential clients.

"It's wonderful. We've been in it every year. It's good for the town, the chamber and local businesses," White said. "We've noticed during the course of the year several clients will come in and say they saw us at the Street Fair."

Yogapata has been in Wilton for about a year, and employee Christina Devald said the Street Fair was a good opportunity to inform people who may not be aware of the yoga studio. The studio was able to promote its variety of classes and workshops, as well as special events, including a Mantra Music Concert on July 29 and a five-day class in August taught by John Friend and Desi Springer.

"We get to meet a lot of people and get some good exposure," Devald said.

Chamber Executive Director Janeene Leppert said the event helps bring exposure to many Wilton businesses, particularly those not located in the town center. It also helps drum up business during the summer when sales tend to slow and when families are looking for fun outdoor activities, she said.

"It gets bigger every year," Leppert said. The event also draws many visitors from out of town. "Any time you're bringing outsiders into Wilton it's a benefit for the businesses and the community."

Businesses from out of town also take part, such as Joan Kostant, a Tolland distributor for I Am A Force4Good. Kostant sells organic fair-trade soaps and body butters to support victims of domestic violence and the homeless.

"The products have a noble purpose, which is to give back to those from disadvantaged backgrounds and hopefully make a difference for this generation and the next," Kostant said. She said her table at the Wilton Street Fair was busy, with many people excited to discover the products for the first time.

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