Second Annual Galentine’s Day event creates perfect prelude to Valentine’s Day

Second Annual Galentine’s Day event creates perfect prelude to Valentine’s Day
By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Three hours of Pre-Valentine’s Day fun was at the heart of the second annual Rockton Galentine’s Day celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 13.
Based on a concept for Galentine’s Day originating from an episode of the television show, Parks and Recreation Jodi May, Owner of Sugar Britches organized the event. “It is a holiday of women celebrating women,” May said.
Around 100 ladies came out to the 2019 event which offered a full evening of surprises, activities and challenges at local shops, restaurants and establishments.
All who picked up a purse card had a chance to win amazing prizes. Galentine’s Day attendees just had to visit participating businesses to receive a stamp. The more stamps the more chances of winning the Grand Prize of six months of “The Candy of the Month Club” from Sugar Britches, $200 worth of jewelry from the Gem Shop& Diamond Source plus gift cards, certificates, candles, and other goods donated by downtown businesses! The total estimated value of the Grand Prize was $750.
Sugar Britches had a wine tasting with Duke of Argyle from McEachran Homestead and Winery. As a bonus a dark chocolate truffle could be purchased as a pairing with the wine. Adding to fun options was a photo opportunity with “The Perfect Man” who by description is “Strong, handsome, and he’s not afraid to wear a boa.”
The Gem Shop & Diamond Source waffle bar had a nice selection of toppings including everything from syrup, cream cheese, strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, sprinkles or peanut butter to place on top of plain, chocolate or red velvet heart shaped waffles. The waffle bar theme was also adopted from the Parks and Recreation’s Galentine’s Day concept.
Rockton Inn Pub Grub and BBQ offered a wine special complete with a special commemorative glass to take home. Additionally visitors could try a “Girls Just Want to Have Fun drink “along with choices of half price of specialty “Sammiches” or .50 cent shrimp.
At Jill Rae Finally Art Galentine’s guests had the option of designing custom made earrings or they could make a love potion bottle.
Village Loft opened doors to surprise adventures, which included a scavenger hunt. This action led to prizes, and a chance to pick a heart for discounts.
No Galentine’s Day event is complete without pampering; The Rockton Sanctuary Spa gave mini makeovers, and $1 per minute chair massages plus “Love Potion” cocktails. Starr Styles performed a no chip manicure and an eyebrow wax at discounted rates.
Fibs got into the spirit by making a specialty made female inspired drink, guaranteed to “Knock your socks off.”
Erica’s Board Creations allowed imaginations to soar at a Make and Take event.
Vintage Love on Main set the scene for dressing up by piecing together ensembles of genuine vintage clothing and accessories.
Rookie’s Pub offered half price bottles of wine and chocolate martinis.
Her Side My Side discounted items by 20 percent. More action happened at The Mix and Rubies’ n’ Rust.
Butler’s Emporium had a special that when spending $25 or more store visitors received a free “Greetings card worth $2.99. Additionally Galentine’s Day guests were able to have their picture taken with the Queen.
“This year was my first Galentine’s Day in Rockton,” shares Erin Davis. “I went with my neighbors Tanya Edmundson and her daughter Lauren; they are like a Mom and sister to me. We first went to the Rockton Sanctuary Spa and I got my hair French braided and my make-up done. I felt like a princess afterwards.
“After we left there we went to the Gem Shop and got delicious heart shaped waffles. Finally we dashed around town to get our passports stamped from the different shops and establishments. Before we knew it 9 a.m. was

here and the Edmundson’s dropped me off at home. I had an amazing time with them and was sad to take my makeup off before bed.”
“I was invited to join friends for this event. We thought there would be four of us but it turned out that we had seven,” Ann Salberg said of her Galentines Day experience. “I got to meet three new friends who are beautiful women of all ages. We started at the Rockton Inn Pub Grub and BBQ with specialty drinks. We had a lovely impromptu dinner at Scorchy Café who accommodated all of us without a reservation. This was amazing considering how busy they were.”
“We then shopped at Butlers Emporium and discovered what a wonderful and enchanting surprise that shop is. After our Butler’s experience we went to Sugar Britches. One of the ladies in our group treated us to a sweet wine sampler and chocolate especially made for the event. My dessert was complimented by Dairyhaus ice cream also sold at Sugar Britches and the two pieces of chocolate I purchased. Galentine’s Day created a memory and a learning curve of what downtown shopping and dining has to offer. I hope that there is a third year for this fun girl’s night out,” Salberg said.
Fun with friends, pampering, getting a jump start on Valentine’s Day great food and beverages combined made the 2019 Rockton Galentine’s Day an event to remember!