Category: Community

The Sale Everyone Waits For: Sidewalk Sale Returns June 26-28

Some traditions are simply too good to miss.

For generations, our Annual Tent & Sidewalk Sale has marked the heart of Summer at Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods.

It’s the event where seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, bargain hunters, first-time adventurer’s, and families enjoying the annual Chalkfest in downtown Wausau all gather together to discover incredible deals on the gear, clothing, footwear and other essentials they need for the season ahead.

June 26-28, 2026 promises to be one of our best yet!

Biggest Savings of the Season

For a limited time, you’ll find special sale pricing throughout the store, under the tent, and along the sidewalk. We’ll be clearing out select seasonal merchandise, closeouts, discontinued styles, and one-of-a-kind finds at prices you won’t see again this year. We’re talking 90% off racks, 70% off racks and no less than 50% off equipment and clothing brands we can’t mention.

Whether you’re preparing for camping trips, lake weekends, hiking adventures, family vacations, or simply updating your outdoor wardrobe, this is the perfect opportunity to save. Snow sports gear too, naturally.

What You’ll Find

Our Tent & Sidewalk Sale features jaw dropping savings on:

  • Outerwear for the whole family (including Obermeyer Outerwear at 70% off!)
  • Sportswear from favorites like Patagonia, Arcteryx, Pendleton, Kuhl, Marine Layer, Jetty, Roxy & Toad and Co. to name a few
  • Footwear including sandals, slippers, trail, hiking and snow boots 20-50% off
  • Camping gear, furniture and accessories up to 40% off
  • Water sports equipment and swimsuits 20-50% off
  • Bikes 30-40% off and cycling accessories at least 20% off
  • Summer fashion and homewares, seasonal gifts 20-70% off
  • Ski & Snowboard helmets, goggles & bags 30-60% off
  • Skis, Boards, Boots, Bindings, Poles at least 30% off
  • Clearance merchandise up to 70% off!
  • Socks by Darn Tough and Sockwell 25% off! (or Buy 3 Get 1 Free)

Inventory changes daily, and all items are available in limited quantities, so early shoppers often find the best selection.

Discover Unexpected Treasures

One of the things customers love most about the Tent & Sidewalk Sale is the hunt. Every year, unique items emerge from stockrooms, display areas, and discontinued inventories. You never know what you’ll discover—a favorite jacket at a remarkable price, a piece of gear you’ve been eyeing all season, something nostalgic or the perfect item for an upcoming adventure.

A Northwoods Tradition

Since 1949, Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods has been helping families make the most of life outdoors. Our Annual Tent & Sidewalk Sale is more than a shopping event—it’s a celebration of summer in Wisconsin and the outdoor lifestyle that brings our community together. Enjoy Wausau’s annual Chalkfest just steps from our front door on Saturday and Sunday

Bring a friend, browse the tent, explore the sidewalk displays, and enjoy the excitement of finding exceptional values throughout the store.

Join Us

The best deals won’t last long, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Make plans to visit our Annual Tent & Sidewalk Sale and discover why this summer tradition continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Can’t visit during the event? Shop clearance prices on select items at shepssports.com too

See you under the Tent and inside Shepherd & Schaller June 26-28, 2026!

Beyond the Campsite: Unexpected Places to Use Camping Furniture and Sleeping Bags

When most people think of camping chairs, portable tables, and sleeping bags, they picture a campground tucked among the pines. But today’s camping gear is designed for much more than overnight adventures.

Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to transport, camping furniture and sleeping bags have become go-to companions for everything from local events to backyard gatherings. Here are some of the best places to put your outdoor gear to work—even when you’re not heading to a campsite. Shop our in-stock Nemo camp furniture here.

Concerts, Festivals, and Community Events

Summer is packed with outdoor concerts, farmers markets, festivals, and community celebrations. A comfortable camp chair can turn an evening on the lawn into a relaxing experience, while a lightweight blanket or sleeping bag can provide warmth when temperatures dip after sunset.

Whether you’re enjoying music at the park or watching fireworks with family, portable seating often becomes the most sought-after item at the event.

Backyard Gatherings

Who says camping gear has to leave home?

Camping chairs are perfect for backyard cookouts, bonfires, graduation parties, and family gatherings. Unlike traditional patio furniture, they can be moved wherever the conversation happens and stored away when not in use.

A sleeping bag can also be the secret ingredient for backyard sleepovers, stargazing nights, or impromptu movie nights under the stars.

Sporting Events and Tournaments

Parents, grandparents, and dedicated fans know that youth sports often involve long hours on the sidelines. Comfortable camping chairs, portable shade shelters, and small folding tables can make tournament weekends significantly more enjoyable.

For early morning games or chilly fall evenings, a sleeping bag can double as an oversized blanket to keep spectators warm and comfortable.

Cabin and Lake Life

In the Northwoods, camping furniture often becomes part of everyday lake living. Extra camp chairs around the fire pit, portable tables at the beach, and sleeping bags for overnight guests all come in handy throughout the season.

Because camping furniture is lightweight and easy to move, it’s ideal for gathering wherever the best view—or the best conversation—happens to be.

Tailgating and Game Days

Before the game begins, camping furniture helps create a comfortable gathering space for friends and family. Folding chairs, camp tables, and insulated accessories make tailgating more organized and enjoyable.

Sleeping bags can even provide extra warmth during late-season games when temperatures begin to drop.

Watching the Stars

One of the simplest pleasures of summer is lying under a clear night sky. A sleeping bag paired with a comfortable camp chair creates the perfect setup for stargazing, meteor showers, or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors.

No campsite reservation required.

Emergency Preparedness

Camping gear can also prove valuable when life doesn’t go according to plan. Sleeping bags, lanterns, and portable furniture can provide comfort during power outages, unexpected overnight guests, or emergency situations.

Having a few quality pieces on hand means you’re prepared for both adventures and surprises.

Road Trips and Day Trips

Camping furniture is perfect for spontaneous stops along the way. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic overlook, a picnic by the lake, or a roadside lunch, a comfortable chair can turn a quick stop into a memorable experience.

A sleeping bag stored in the vehicle provides warmth and comfort whenever plans change unexpectedly.

More Than Camping Gear

The best outdoor equipment isn’t limited to one purpose. Camping furniture and sleeping bags are designed to help people relax, gather, and enjoy time outdoors—whether that’s deep in the woods, at the ball field, around a backyard fire, or beside a Northwoods lake.

The next time you reach for your camping gear, don’t wait for a camping trip. Some of its best uses might be much closer to home.

Recommended Nemo Equipment Gear

Stargaze™ Reclining Camp Chair

Moonlander™ Dual-Height Camp Table

Disco™ Endless Promise® Down Sleeping Bag

Demo Day March 7, 2026: Try Before You Buy

Test the Best. Then Decide. Join us for our Annual Demo Day and spend time on the hill with skis and boards chosen for how they truly ride.

Shepherd & Schaller stocks the most in-demand on-snow gear, and has again invited our vendors to share next-year’s models with you. Talk with brand reps, test as many styles as you like. PRE-REGISTER HERE by selecting RESERVE to save time at check-in on event day.

  • $10 Demo Fee – donated to local youth ski programs
  • Adult-size gear only
  • *Demo Day Tag required
  • All registrations must be signed by adult, parent or guardian – no exceptions

In partnership with Granite Peak Ski Area, this event promises a day filled with exploration and excitement. To participate, check-in at Sundance Chalet.

Demo equipment will be available from hill opening until 3 pm, giving you ample time to find your perfect fit. Please remember that all equipment must be returned by 3 pm. To ensure that everyone gets a chance to experience the latest ski innovations we encourage testing another style after a lap or two. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to test new 26/27 adult-sized skis and snowboards and support our local ski community at the same time.

*You will be provided with a Demo Day Tag listing your key measurments. It allows brand reps to set bindings quickly and correctly at each tent, so you can focus on the snow, not the paperwork.

Sleigh the Season! Shep’s Ladies’Night is Nov 13.

You deserve a little TLC during the holiday season ladies. Let us pamper you with discounts, expert advice, prizes and surprises. Just in time for 2025 ski season and holiday prep.

In addition to shopping the elevated styles you love from Shepherd and Schaller, learn insider tips to make your first ski trip stress free, successful dressing for a comfy, cozy, active Wisconsin winter, and enjoy treats and surprises that make the season joyful. Take a few minutes with us from 5-8 on Thursday, Nov 13 to celebrate women, shop and learn:

  • What makes women’s ski gear different? Why is it important?
  • How can a first-timer navigate the ski resort easily?
  • What to do when your ski day is over: gear and clothing storage & maintenance.
  • How to dress for comfort on the slopes, and Apres fun after.
  • Mountain Lifestyle must-haves; home goods and gifts.

Tag a friend and make it an evening. Reserve a spot to be eligible for door prizes. Click Here.

Giftable door prizes, free gift wrapping, and a visit from a handsome man in Red are on tap along with refreshments.

We’re partnering with Sport Obermeyer and our women-centric brands to celebrate the joy that winter brings when we focus on kindness, warmth and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Deep discounts when we all need them most is another Shep’s gift to you. Happy Holidays Ladies.

Let’s Sleigh!

Good News! Shep’s Youth Outerwear Grows with Your Kiddos

Sport Obermeyer does it best, but you’ll find it on most of our kid’s snow jackets and pants (and bibs) size 7 and smaller. Because, hey, your tots grow faster than you can keep up with. We get it.

Take a look at our extensive selection of youth outerwear. All featuring materials and features to keep them warm, dry and playing outside long enough love the great outdoors, no matter the weather.

Shepherd and Schaller winter dressing experts are here to help you with proper layering and selecting accessories like gloves and face protection that won’t make you regret your choice to play outside.

Start ’em young!