The event, spearheaded by the Waterdown Business Improvement Area (BIA), will be held on Saturday, May 24.

"It's a great way for the community to come together...bring newcomers to the area and create awareness within the community of what our local businesses have to offer," said Waterdown BIA Chair Linda Rourke.

Out-of-town and private vendors are also encouraged to set up shop within the BIA boundaries and community residents looking to get rid of various items are welcome to host garage sales on their residential property on the day of the event.

According to BIA Administrative Assistant Linda Naccarato, the Community Sidewalk and Garage Sale will operate on the same day as the Christie Lake Antique Show and the 39th Annual Spring Car Show and Swap Meet at Joe Sam's Park.

"Those events bring traffic through town, which in turn brings people to your booth," explained Naccarato.

"This is really a great way to bring awareness of the different stores in town and what they have to offer and an opportunity for the community to participate in something we can all feel good about," said Rourke.

FlamboroCanadaSystems will feature free face painting and balloon animals by FeBee the Clown for the younger shoppers in front of the Dundas Street East business until 12 (noon).

The BIA reminds merchants and vendors that booths and merchandise cannot obstruct the sidewalks and individuals are responsible for clearing any trash from their outdoor sale site.

According to Naccarato, the owner of the vacant lot located at the corner of Main Street South and Dundas Street East welcomes businesses and vendors to set up their booths on the premises on the day of the event.

The Third Annual Sidewalk and Garage Sale kicks off at 9 a.m. and wraps up at 2 p.m.

Merchants and vendors do not need to register for this event. A map of the BIA boundaries is available on the organization's website, www.waterdownbia.ca.