Steinway Sale Days Draw Crowds To Legendary Street

Mr. Dukintux creates a balloon animal for a young shopper at the spring Steinway Sale Days.

Passing showers didn't deter thousands of shoppers who flocked to Steinway Street between 28th and 35th Avenues this past weekend to avail themselves of free entertainment for all ages and bargains galore. The semiannual Steinway Street Sale Days, held on spring and fall weekends each year, have brought smart shoppers to "the world's longest department store" since 1978 when the first Steinway Sale Days circular was planned, printed and distributed by Queens Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian.

By now a Steinway Street Sale Days tradition, Mr. Duxintux and Bobo the Hobo delighted children with magic tricks, balloon figures and face painting while proud parents looked on. Generations of children have given good homes to the balloon animals fashioned by the two performers, and photos of smiling children with freshly decorated faces are treasured mementos for many parents.

The sidewalk sale is sponsored by the Steinway Street Business Improvement District and the Queens Gazette. As it has for many years, the Gazette printed six Lucky Shopper coupons in the Sale Days circular, which shoppers were encouraged to fill out and drop off at participating stores. Adrawing for several prizes will be held Thursday, May 25 at Gazette offices, 42-16 34th Ave., and prize winners will be announced. For more information, call 718-361-6161.

Youngsters in the crowd assist Bobo the Hobo with his magic tricks. A young friend proudly displays a face-painting job by Bobo the Hobo. Photos Melissa Cipolla