Sue Sitter/PCT Shoppers stop for bargains along Main Avenue at Crazy Days, held July 14 by Rugby merchants.

Rugby businesses opened their Crazy Days sale celebration on July 14 with weather that could only be described as, well, crazy.

Traffic barriers blocked three downtown streets to make room for shoppers to stroll and merchants to display their bargains for the day.

But most merchants hesitated to put out their wares right away. Storm clouds rolled in at the start of the day, dumping rain on anything and anyone not under cover.

Fortunately, many business owners had kept their eyes on the weather reports and put things away before the rain started, or kept them inside until the storm passed.

Rugby Chamber of Commerce Director Laurie Odden said people helped each other deal with the unexpected weather at the annual event.

“The bouncy house hadn’t been set up yet, and the guy who runs it said to Rob St. Michel (owner of St. Michel Furniture), ‘I have a great big tarp if you want to use it,'” Odden said.

“They were putting furniture back in the trailer at the same time and covering up and putting everything together out of the rain. I think they got everything in the trailer or covered up before the rain came,” she said.

Jessica Diebold of Wild Minds Studios said, “It’s really crazy today. We’re seeing lots of people coming in for grab bags and deals.”

The business offered mystery bags containing items such as hats, golf towels and more for $5 each.

Diebold said the rain hadn’t been much of a nuisance for the staff, as everyone pitched in to move merchandise inside or under tents to keep it dry.

At Stylin’ You and Solid Ground Coffee, merchandise, staff and customers stayed dry under the awning of a new recreational vehicle supplied by Rugby Homes and RV Center.

Amollia Hicks of Stylin’ You said, “Today, most everything is 50% off or $5 and up. So, we’re having really good deals today.

“We’re offering glitter tattoos and hair feathers, and we have some wireless speakers for your phone on sale today,” she added.

“We’ve been very busy since the rain stopped,” said Hicks’ coworker, Aleah Oksendahl.

Jennifer Suko sold handmade items from beneath an awning in front of Rockin’ Relics Cafe.

She said the day had been busy for her.

At Cindy’s Country Cupboard, owner Cindy Brossart said she had seen a lot of customers in her store as well.

Many stopped to look at the handmade items she had on display.

Tonia Dosch of Little Flower Catholic School said the school’s snow cone and taco-in-a-bag fundraiser was a success. She and a few young helpers sold the items from a red and white trailer.

“We sold out of the tacos in a bag,” Dosch said.

Dosch said due to the rain, “there was a little bit slower start this year, but people did come out and supported us again and we greatly appreciated it.”

Ashley Berg and Susie Schmaltz said Crazy Days kept Main Street Boutique busy.

“It’s been great,” Schmaltz said as she and Berg moved tops, pants sweaters and more into the store from an outdoor rack to keep the items from blowing away in the wind.

“I think it’s a good day, all in all,” Odden said, standing near an inflatable bounce house and slide that drew a steady stream of youngsters.

Other attractions for kids included rides on a barrel train driven by Rugby resident Dave Bednarz.

“We have a 50/50 raffle here and we’re selling pop and water,” Odden added. “Salon Studio has stuff out; Hardware Hank has stuff out and the library is giving away free books today.

“We had people dressed in costumes up at Harper Oil,” she said. “Retailers put a lot of work into this.”

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