Annual Sidewalk Sale in Lawrence sells on despite scorching heat

LAWRENCE, Kan. - “I am looking for a glove to match this other glove,” Amy Whittaker explained as she dug into two bins full of wool knit scarves, hats and gloves.

The heat was suffocating on Thursday, as it has been for weeks.

But the sweltering temperatures didn’t hold shoppers and retailers back in Lawrence. The annual Sidewalk Sale on Massachusetts Street is an event everyone looks forward to.

“When I try to find a good deal, I don’t care what the heat is. It could be hotter and I’d still probably be looking in here,” Whittaker admitted.

She, like many other shoppers, are willing to do just about anything for a bargain even in July.

“People kind of make a joke about it like, 'Should I buy fleece and hoodies on a day like today?' But with these prices, people can't pass it up,” explained Jock’s Nitch General Manager Ryan Owens.

He knows heat comes with the territory.

“You can mark it down in your calendar: the third Thursday in July, our annual Sidewalk Sale will be the hottest day it seems like all the time,” Owens laughed.

The Lawrence Public Library offered quick drinks for free and fans to keep shoppers cool.

One employee admitted the environment was a stark contrast to what she endures on an every day basis.

“Usually I have to wear a sweater at work because the air conditioning is really cool, so it's a bit of a change today," explained Kristin Soper.