Erin Smith|Bladen Journal Claudia Needham and Denise Hagemeier of Elizabethtown browse the offerings in front of Elizabethtown florist on Thursday. Needham and Hagemeier were shopping during the annual Fourth of July Sidewalk Sale.

Erin Smith|Bladen Journal Marina Sessoms checks out a pair of shoes as she shops the annual Fourth of July Sidewalk Sale on Thursday. She was shopping with her family and said the annual sale is a family tradition.

ELIZABETHTOWN — While temperatures were warm but comfortable, the annual Fourth of July Sidewalk Sale held in downtwon Elizabethtown was sizzling Thursday afternoon.

Shoppers from both near and far were busy searching for bargains beginning Wednesday and continuing through the weekend. Merchants were reporting robust sales and sidewalks were full of shoppers in search of bargains.

Local sidewalks held all manner of goods, from shoes and shirts to suits at Leinwand’s and Fisher’s Men’s and Ladies Shop; an array of china, ceramic salt and pepper shakers, and other items at Elizabethtown Florist and a display of costume jewelry. Children’s clothing and shoes were also available at Leinwand’s, Fisher’s and Toddlers and Teens.

Bladen Office Supply also offered an assortment of office chairs on their sidewalk while Ray’s Furniture and Jewelry Liquidatords offered folks a variety of furniture for the home.

Marina Sessoms of Roseboro had her family with her on Thursday and was shopping on the sidewalk in front of Fisher’s Men’s and Ladies Shop.

“We know on the Fourth the town always has the sales,” said Sessoms.

She said that, for them, the sidewalk sale is an annual event. Sessoms said that Giorgio’s Restaurant is a family favorite and so they come and make a day of shopping and enjoying their favorite place to eat.

Claudia Needham and Denise Hagemeier were shopping at Elizabethtown Florist. They said they have enjoyed the sidewalk sale since moving to Elizabethtown about nine years ago.

“It’s a great way to get bargains and support the community,” said Hagemeier of the sale.

Needham echoed her friend’s thoughts when asked what brought her out to the sale.

“The bargains,” said Needham.

Chris Ross and Crystal Moore shopped the bargains in front of Leinwand’s Department Store in Elizabethtown.

Ross, from Bladenboro, siad he came with to town with Moore on Thursday and was checking out all of the bargains available.

Ross, who is an Army veteran, said, “I used to see the sidewalk sale when I came home from the Army (for visits).”

He added that his family has always shopped with Leinwand’s and that it is very much a family tradition.

“It (the sidewalk sale) not only brings the community together, but it’s like a family reunion in that you get to see people you haven’t seen in a while,” said Ross.

Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.