Vinnin Square sidewalk event adds music, dancing and food

SWAMPSCOTT – Four years ago, Pauline Spirito organized the first annual Vinnin Square Sidewalk Sale in an effort to draw shoppers to the commercial center.As owner of Infinity Boutique, she had a vested interest in making it happen. It was a whopping success.On Friday and Saturday, an expanded version of the event gets under way for the fourth consecutive year, highlighted by music and dancing, free food samples, face painting, massages, giveaways and other activities. The sidewalk sale will be held both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the related activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.”For the past few years it has been your basic sidewalk sale. Now that the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is involved, I’ve noticed that there’s more enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie to really make something happen,” Spirito said. “The Chamber has been a huge help coordinating sponsorships, activities and PR.”Spirito said the event is ideal for building community spirit and awareness, and for supporting local businesses.On Friday, the Blue Tulip gift shop will offer complimentary mini cookies. Panera Bread will sell bagels, lemonade and parfaits. The Hallmark store will give away free balloons to children, and the Infinity Boutique will offer free popcorn.Musician Tony Gallo will be on hand for a live performance, sponsored by the Jewish Rehabilitation Center of the North Shore. Other activities include watercolor demonstrations by Anthony at Corners frame shop; A Touch of Health Chiropractic will offer free screenings and education; Julie Spreadbury and Associates will give 10-minute massages for $5 outside Sleepy’s mattress shop. Sovereign Bank will host a table of raffles and giveaways.On Saturday, the LACC and Sagan Realtors will host a face painting table, balloon twister Ju-Ju the Clown, and another watercolor demonstration by Anthony at Corners frame shop.The chiropractic screening and the 10-minute massages will also be available on Saturday, as will a performance by “A Performing Arts Academy” of Salem, which will be on stage from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.”All About Dance” from Swampscott will perform at 1 and 2 p.m. Both performances will be outside Infinity Boutique.”This is a small step into assisting and working with the Swampscott business community. We are working on organizing a Home and Garden Show this November at Swampscott High School and have ideas for future community events around town,” said LACC Executive Director Leslie Gould.For more information or event details, contact the Lynn chamber at 781- 592-2900 or email [email protected].