It's a mall tradition. Sooner or later there's going to be a sidewalk sale. And Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis is no exception. It just took them a little longer to catch the wave. The internationally flavored public market opened in 2006 with groceries, food and gifts from around the world but somehow managed to avoid the American tradition until now.

Starting Friday, most of the market's gift vendors will discount selected wares from 5 to 50 percent. The market is known as a wonderful place to eat and shop for groceries, but the gift shops sometimes get lost in the shuffle, said Elyse Bauchle, PR spokeswoman for the market.

A sampling of participating vendors include Arte Hispano (art from El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala), Fiesta Americana (authentic pinatas, candles, flowers and party supplies), Cafe Finspang (Scandinavian gifts and food), Simba Craftware (African art, jewelry, masks, baskets, and instruments), The Art Shoppe (Minnesota artists), Mill City Merchants (turquoise, silver, stone and Navajo and Zuni jewelry), Mulki Shop (East African rugs), Tibet Arts & Crafts, Rituals (soaps, lotions), And Andes Jewelry.

The sidewalk sale runs from Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 920 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis. On Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30, Blue Wolf bluegrass band will play. Saturday, Calypso musician Stoney Savanna will play from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

For more info, go to www.midtownglobalmarket.org.