Warm up at downtown Millersburg’s Girls’ Night Out
Historic Downtown Millersburg’s Girls’ Night Out is an event that is a huge draw for women from all around Holmes and Wayne counties and beyond.
It’s February in Ohio. It’s cold. It’s dark when you wake up and dark when you get home from work. Life is blah. It’s time for something fun, something unique, something designed especially for women.
The obvious answer to the winter doldrums is Historic Downtown Millersburg’s Girls’ Night Out. The event is a huge draw for women from all around Holmes and Wayne counties and beyond.
“It’s probably the biggest event Millersburg hosts,” said Rachel Pendlebury, owner of Eighteen 76 Salon & Spa. “And it’s a great way to break up the winter.”
Pendlebury, along with a host of other downtown merchants, eateries and businesses, will offer a variety of specials for the evening.
“We always try to do a variety of mini-services for Girls’ Night Out,” Pendlebury said. “This year we’ll be offering dip powder nails — probably our most popular nail service — for $20,” she said.
The salon also will feature a variety of other mini services as well as a jewelry and clothing vendor. The event has been a regular winter occurrence in Millersburg for many years.
“It was happening before we formed Historic Downtown Millersburg in 2009,” said Judy Lamp, the organization’s executive director. “You’ve got cabin fever. You’ve got the winter blahs. We always say it’s pampering in the middle of winter to get you through to spring.”
Having an event like this in the midst of the Ohio winters means never knowing quite what to expect weather-wise. “One year we were sitting outside on the patio at the hotel,” Lamp said. “The next year is was a level-two snow emergency.”
There are no exact figures available, but everyone involved agrees that Girls’ Night Out draws hundreds of women of all ages.
Punch cards will be available at all participating venues. These cards will list all the locations with activities and treats. This year there will be a $5 charge for the cards, which includes automatic entry in a drawing for a Michael Kors purse.
“And if you go all the way around to every location, you’re entered into the drawing for a Coach purse,” Lamp said.
The card fee goes toward funding two community summer events: second Saturday movies on the courthouse lawn and the Thunder Over Holmes County children’s play area. Both activities are offered free.
“We want kids to be able to do fun things no matter what their economic situation is,” Lamp said. “Those cards have a good purpose.”
Phil and Karen Starr are owners of Starlight Antiques. They have a unique event planned especially for Girls’ Night Out.
“We will have fun costumes for people to dress up in and take photos,” Phil Starr said.
The photos are then posted on Facebook, and the photo with the most likes wins a gift certificate.
Starlight also will offer refreshments for those stopping by. “We always have a huge crowd,” Starr said. “It’s a great night to be out and about.”
The community offers fun that lasts into the later hours of the evening as well.
“Ladies don’t have to leave at eight,” Lamp said. “There is a lot to do after hours as well. I know there are a couple of groups of women coming down from the city, and they are going to spend the night.”
Pubs and hotels are offering specials to keep things lively after the shops close. Millersburg Brewery will have drink specials, vendors and karaoke with Dave Tennant.
“You don’t even have to shop,” Lamp said. “It’s just a fun evening and a chance to get out and explore some businesses you might not normally get into.”
Downtown Millersburg will host Girls’ Night Out on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 4-8 p.m. Cards required to participate in the drawings can be picked up in advance or during the event at any participating downtown location.
“It’s always a fun event,” Pendlebury said. “And it’s a great way to break up the winter.”