photo by: Mike Yoder

Young women shop at 6 a.m. at Chronic Sunshine, 1023 Mass., during the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale taking place from sunup to sundown Thursday, Sept. 9.

The 61st annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale started before the sun rose and will continue until sundown today. Downtown leaders say the staple summer event, which used to be in July, carries more importance this year than ever.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Young women shop at 6 a.m. at Chronic Sunshine, 1023 Massachusetts St., during the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Before sunrise, a woman walks with her cup of coffee through the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts while attending the Downtown Sidewalk Sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Shoppers were out before 6 a.m. searching for bargains at the sidewalk sale on Thursday, Sept. 9. This group was at Urban Outfitters, 1013 Mass. St.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Early shoppers, many wearing masks, attend the sidewalk sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A shopper looks at shoes at Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop, 804 Massachusetts St., on Thursday, Sept. 9. Many shoppers were seen wearing masks during the outdoor sale.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Shoppers look over clothes racks outside Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop. 804 Massachusetts St., Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Alex Bittel, Lawrence, and his daughter, Naomi, 2, view a book at The Raven Book Store, 809 Massachusetts St., at the sidewalk sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Lydia Langebach, Lawrence, looks through posters at Wonder Fair, 841 Massachusetts St., during the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Shoppers pass a kayak on sale outside Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop. 804 Massachusetts St., at the sidewalk sale Thursday, Sept. 9.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Shoppers check out the shoes at The Halo Deck, 725 Massachusetts St., during the sidewalk sale Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021.