Boutique at the Rink Offers Bargains for Every Budget

Looking for some kids bicycles or toys for summer fun?  How about supplies for gardening? Maybe a wedding is in someone’s future? Maybe you just want to treat yourself to some brandname duds? Outfit a house or dorm room with appliances, artwork, or lamps?  How about golf clubs?  Think holiday gifts, too.

Budget constrictions are not restrictions at the Boutique at the Rink, a huge sale that started Tuesday and runs through Saturday, June 4, at the Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink, 345 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem.

New and like-new items -- all donations  to help the fight against cancer -- will be offered during this once-a-year sale that draws treasure hunters from surrounding communities and states.

Glasswear, wreaths, holiday décor, clothing for the entire family, many with original tags, plus coats, jackets and accessories, jewelry, collectibles, vintage items, linens, lingerie, an entire department of denim, plus household items await shoppers intent upon capturing bargains. Expect prices to start at 50 cents. And then expect them to drop by 50 percent during the two half-price sale days on thursday and Friday.

Want a handbag (including Coach and Liz Claiborne) for $6? Or shoes at $6 and sandals at $4? Beaded evening wear, tuxedos, and that little black dress, will entice at prices 50 to 60 percent or more below retail. Men will find shirts and casual clothing from a donated selection of new items. Men’s and women’s dressing rooms are available so no one will go home with something that doesn’t fit. Success all depends upon your hunting abilities, stamina and mix and match I.Q.  

A special collection of vintage hats and accessories, many in original boxes, plus accessories, will be a special feature for antique connoisseurs. And generous vendors and donors have provided gift cards to gourmet restaurants, groceries, gasoline (who wouldn’t want to win that?), theater tickets, treats and new designer handbags, through the purchase of raffle tickets.

A team of veteran volunteers (no employees here) have been collecting, sorting and tagging items for the past year and staging everything for what will be the 37th annual event. Many of the volunteers have been touched by cancer in their extended families or personally. So the event will again benefit the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the St. Luke’s Hospital Cancer Center and the VNA Hospice program of St. Luke’s.

The army of 400-strong volunteers, led by co-chairwomen Susan Haytmanek and Frances DeSalvio, support  “Fighting Cancer with Style,” while offering something for everyone on any budget.

Hours on Wednesday are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Half-price sale days are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday. Bags for $10 and $30 will be available to stuff full on the final day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.