Of the many attractions that draw young, old, Nordic, and not Seattleites to
Ballard this time of year, the Seafood Fest and attendant sidewalk sale probably rank highest, but Blackbird’s new, not-yet-officially official sweets shop might be gaining on them.

It’s hard to resist old-timey candy (lemon drops anyone? maybe an Abba Zaba bar?) weighed out on an old-timey scale and pulled out from a glass case, and those with a taste for smart design and avant decor will appreciate the anti-soda shop matte-black walls and charming milk glass trophy pieces. As I write, the space is still a work-in-progress, but those with a working knowledge of owner Nicole Miller’s aesthetic know it’s going to look and feel like a real destination. And the shop-within-a-shop (it’s eating up the northernmost nook of Blackbird’s irregularly shaped retail space) is getting sweeter and sweeter; each days brings another delivery of European and Asian goodies — rice candies and the like.

I dare you to resist.

Why candy? Why not? But I have to admit: My first thought upon hearing Blackbird’s news is that candy, like lipstick and liquor, is recession-proof. And ice cream is like, the new essential food group. Blackbird’s candy counter scoops up Empire Ice Cream’s locally and seasonally sourced stuff previously sold only on Sundays at the neighborhood’s farmers market.

Also recession-proof: Sidewalk sales. Ballard claims to host the largest and oldest one in the city every year over the Seafood Fest weekend; Velouria, Market Street Shoes, Horseshoe, Blackbird, and pretty much every other retailer in the ’hood are taking it to the streets and offering amazing deals today, July 23, through Sunday, July 26.