The Foley City Council unanimously approved a request by uptown Foley merchants to have sidewalk sales during some of the upcoming city events in 2011.

Carolyne Hollis, representative for the merchants, asked the city to approve the request to allow sales in conjunction with the Art in the Park May 7-8, Heritage Harbor Days Nov. 5-6 and the Christmas Parade Dec. 3.

“All of the events that come to Foley are done in the parks,” she said. “It’s hard for us as merchants to get people from parks to the shops. (People) don’t know that there are other things in Foley besides the festivals.”

The council expressed words of support, hoping the event will lead to more business for local merchants.

“I hope they’re successful and we can get more business downtown,” Councilman Ralph Hellmich said.

“I’m glad they’re doing it,” Councilman Wayne Trawick said.

Hollis said the merchants plan to have balloons, music and signs while the event is going to attract customers.

“I’ve got to get back with all of the merchants. We’ll put items out on the sidewalk. I have an antique business. My daughter has a furniture business. I have a mattress company across the street.

“We think this could do good for us,” she said. “We won’t know unless we try.”

Foley Mayor John Koniar said doing the sidewalk sales for the three events will be a good test for the idea.

“If this works out, we’ll request to do it once a month,” Hollis said.

Councilman Charles Ebert asked if the merchants were planning the sales during the BBQ and Blues Festival on May 19, but Hollis said the event may be “too far away from merchants.” However, Hollis said the merchants aren’t going to be picky.

“We will do anything,” she said. “Everybody in the room knows what the economy is.”

The merchants are located throughout the Downtown Historic District, Hollis said.