HINSDALE – It's such a tradition in Hinsdale, that no one, not even the Chamber of Commerce, knew when it originated.

“It's considered one of our community events and we've been running it for many, many years…I don't know how many," said Jan Anderson, president and CEO of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce. “I would really have to go digging into archives, but I don't know how old it is.”

The Hinsdale Merchant's Sidewalk Sale took place July 12 and 13 in downtown Hinsdale with about 21 businesses participating offering some sales of 75 percent off or higher.

As opposed to years past, organizers at the Chamber of Commerce nor merchants themselves could have asked for better weather as downtown Hinsdale was flooded with foot traffic looking for the best deals.

“If we conjured this up we couldn't do a better job,” said Margaret Reavis of Hinsdale, salesperson at Bedside Manor Ltd., as she looked up at the clear blue sky.

Reavis said there were people gathering on the sidewalks well before the 9 a.m. start time. One resident in attendance was Diane Oostendorp who has been coming to the sale for as long as she can remember.

“If it's been here, I've been here," Oostendorp said.

Oostendorp said what she enjoys most is seeing what the new shops are in town and taking advantage of the great deals merchants are offering before the holiday season.

“I also look for Christmas presents as I'm an early Christmas present shopper," she said.

Christmas? Summer seems to barely have gotten underway and the thought of Santa's sleigh seemed foreign in the 80-degree heat. But it wasn't just Oostendorp as businesses were also getting ready for the holiday season during the sidewalk sale.

“Everything is very, very reduced and we're trying to get rid of things for new things coming in," said Liz Zimmer of Hinsdale, salesperson at Jane's Blue Iris Ltd. on Washington Street. "We're starting to think about Christmas.”

Claudia Schwitz of Clarendon Hills was helping out at Sweet William, Inc. during the sidewalk sale. She said the store has participated for the last several years, but this year's crowd was pretty substantial.

“There's been a lot of people coming in and out and buying stuff," Schwitz said.