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 The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passes through downtown Wapakoneta Wednesday, September 1. Staff photo/William Laney By CARLA MEYER
Staff Writer
For 45 minutes, the roar of motorcycles could be heard passing under an American flag hanging from two ladder trucks. For 45 minutes, area residents gathered in the shadow of the Auglaize County Courthouse and Wapakoneta Fire Station waved and clapped as motorcyclists rode by.
The smiles and waves turned into clapping and cheers as the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall passed down Willipie Street on its way to Custenborder Field in Sidney where it was greeted by a field of American flags.
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Street sale attracts thousands to city |
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Monday, 20 July 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
Although gray skies with a chance of rain threatened most of the day Saturday, thousands of Auglaize County residents gathered in downtown Wapakoneta, looking for steals and deals during the seventh annual street sale hosted by Wapakoneta Antique and Specialty Shops (WASS).
Held in conjunction with the Summer Moon Festival and the 40th anniversary of hometown hero Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon, nearly 100 local and area vendors set up tents and displays, selling everything from produce and baked goods to antiques, furniture and toys from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Wapakoneta downtown Farmer’s Market also was being held.
“Even though it looked like it was going to rain, I don’t think the weather really had a hand in effecting how many people attended the street sale this year,” Casa Chic co-owner and WASS Vice President Landa Tomlinson said. “For the most part, we had pretty cool weather compared to years in the past where it was scorching hot, but this year it seemed like a lot of people in the community came out to shop and support their local businesses.”
Returning for her second year to participate in the sale was Jackson Center resident and Gold Canyon independent demonstrator Joann Blystone, who arrived to the event ready to sell wickless soy-based candles, scent pods and warmers available in more than 100 scents with the bake line being her top seller, along with a plant-based all-purpose cleaning product made with mint and rosemary.
“I don’t participate in the sale each year so much for the sales, but for the networking and getting my name and the product I sell out there,” Blystone said. “Each year during the sale, it seems that I get more and more feedback from people who are interested in learning more about me and the products I offer through Gold Canyon. Although I didn’t sell everything I brought with me for the sale this year, I definitely ended up on the positive end, which was good enough for me.”
When asked what keeps her coming back to participate in the street sale, Bystone’s said her response was simple — it’s the people of Wapakoneta.
“It’s just the whole town, the community, and the people who live here are just so awesome to work with,” Bystone said. “I’m from Jackson Center but I love Wapakoneta, but don’t tell Jackson Center that.”
As shoppers browsed the many items offered by such vendors, they also received the opportunity to bid on several hand-painted and designed furniture pieces during the Chair-ity and Fun-iture silent auction.
With cars jumping off ramps flying across the air, residents wishing to take a break from shopping were also treated to high-speed remote control car races hosted by Dad’s Toy Shop, with hobbyists gathered nearby to take control of the stunt cars.
“I couldn’t believe how fast the cars were for being remote controlled,” Mechanicsburg resident Miranda Reese said. “With all the jumps and flips they do you would think they would just fall apart but them seem pretty durable and crash resistant.”
Several other memorabilia pieces including newspapers, posters, books, glasses and coins honoring July 16, 1969, as a day that put astronaut Neil Armstrong and the whole entire Wapakoneta community in the national spotlight.
“Overall, I think the sale went very well,” Tomlinson said. “A lot of vendors who had never participated in the sale before actually showed up to give their name and addresses so that I could contact them next year with information on how to get involved. “
“This year we had more vendors participate than in the past, the crowd was good and the money was there despite the economy,” she said. “Everything went great and I think everyone involved enjoyed themselves.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 21 July 2009 )
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