Kathie Walz, second from left, owner of The Blue Marble and Little Blue inside Thornes M"> Kathie Walz, second from left, owner of The Blue Marble and Little Blue inside Thornes M" property="og:description"> Kathie Walz, second from left, owner of The Blue Marble and Little Blue inside Thornes M">
Back after a break: Sidewalk Sales returning to Northampton "> Kathie Walz, second from left, owner of The Blue Marble and Little Blue inside Thornes Marketplace in Northampton, speaks with her staff Sunday ahead of the 2021 Sidewalk Sales. The traditional summer event is returning this week after a hiatus in 2020 caused by COVID-19 restrictions. STAFF PHOTO/BRIAN STEELE "> Published: 7/25/2021 9:23:08 PM NORTHAMPTON — After a tough year of pandemic-related shutdowns and occupancy limits, Northampton’s downtown businesses are hoping for a surge in foot traffic with the return of the Sidewalk Sales this week. Due to COVID-19 restrictions that forced nonessential businesses to shutter nationwide, the traditional summer Sidewalk Sales were not held in 2020. Amy Cahillane, executive director of the nonprofit Downtown Northampton Association (DNA), which organizes the event, said the hiatus was “another hit in a year-plus of financial hits.”