August 4, 2017 at 4:40 p.m.
'Redikulus' tradition continues
Bargain hunters descend on downtown Rhinelander
'Redikulus' tradition continues
By Kayla Thomason-
Foot traffic was slow starting out but picked up as the day wore on, merchants said.
Tim Raymond of Tiki Jewelry was enjoying his 10th Redikulus Dae.
He sold fidget spinners, hats, necklaces, tops and leggings. He said the fidget spinners were quite popular, as they have been all year.
"A good crowd of people, good people here and sales are good, of course," he said, adding that he wasn't worried about the slow start to the day.
"It normally starts slow in the morning but picks up in the afternoon," he said.
Raymond said Redikulus Dae is a can't-miss event for local businesses.
"The local businesses have to participate, this is where they let people know what they got," he said. "They come down here because there is variety and new vendors and this is the time to put their stuff out there and mingle with us and let people know that they are here all the time."
Raymond Dodge of Diane's Frame Shoppe has participated in Redikulus every year of the 12 years he has been in business.
He agrees that this is an important event for local merchants as it's an opportunity to draw new customers who might not know what can be found inside the various downtown storefronts.
"We're part of downtown, we're all together," he said.
Jeff Newman, a shopper, was searching for deals as he has for the past eight years while on his annual vacation in the Northwoods.
"We're vacationing here so it's just one of the things we do every year," he said, adding that the annual vacation just happens to coincide with Redikulus Dae.
He enjoys checking out all the businesses, but one in particular is his favorite.
"We go to Mel's (Trading Post)," Newman said. "Mel's is the place we go to most often so we just walk around, make a morning of it."
This year he purchased a jacket at Mel's.
Dana Murray has been coming to Redikulus Dae off and on, and she too found something at Mel's - a winter jacket for half price.
"I'm due for it, half price and you can't go wrong," she said of her find.
Murray also likes that the businesses take their selections outside.
"It's nice and so many businesses are outside so you can see what the businesses are without having to go in," she said. "It's a good way to bring people into town and make them aware of what's really downtown."
Jill Funk has not missed a single Redikulus Dae.
This year she found herself a little black dress and raincoats for her husband.
"It's fun, (but) they're used to be more vendors," she noted. "It's just a good time, good food and good weather.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.