FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As summer starts to wind down, ladies across the Wiregrass can still find a hot night out with one of the installation's most popular ladies-only events.

The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Girls' Night Out returns to The Landing ballroom Aug. 18 from 6-9 p.m., where people can enjoy a live DJ, games, dancing, shopping, door prizes and contests, according to Lynn Avila, Fort Rucker special events coordinator.

"This is a great event for the ladies to have a good time and shop the latest trends in the area," said Avila, adding that the event takes weeks of preparation to provide a night of pampering, fun and excitement for ladies of the local area.

Throughout the event, a host of local businesses and organizations donate different prizes, such as gift certificates and gift baskets to be given out throughout the night, said the special events coordinator.

This year's event will showcase numerous organizations that will set up tables that will allow ladies to shop the latest trends, as well as services and goods, including spas, medical services, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics and more.

People can bring a friend and receive a gift that will be given to each friend duo while supplies last, and the night will also feature a game called "Friend or Frenemies," which is a game like the Newlywed Game where friends will have to answer questions about each other in a fun, quiz-game atmosphere, said Avila.

The event is open to the public, for ages 18 and older, and tickets are available at The Landing, MWR Central, The Landing Catering Office and Coffee Zone locations, or can be purchased at the door on the night of the event.

This iteration of Girls Night Out will also host a scavenger hunt among the vendors and sponsors that will give people a chance at more door prizes and a chance to win the grand prize, which is a Henri Bendel beach bag filled with goodies, said the special events coordinator.

Advanced tickets for the event are $10 and $12 at the door, which includes a complimentary beverage. There will also be more than 75 door prizes given away from local businesses and organizations, plus the special grand prize, she added. The grand prize drawing will be at 9 p.m. and participants must be present to win.

The event has been put on since 2011, and is not just an opportunity to promote local businesses, but also serves as a way to boost morale and give ladies a chance to "to get out and enjoy each other as women, moms and girls," said Avila.

"A big part of what we do is to provide morale-boosting and recreational fun," added Janice Erdlitz, DFMWR marketing director. "Girls Night Out is one of our most-loved events and it's just a fun opportunity for our female population to get together."

"It's just a great way for women to grab their friends and have a little fun," said Avila. "It's nice to have a night out that caters directly to the women with shopping and dancing all in one place."

Advanced tickets can be purchased at MWR Central, The Landing Zone, The Landing Catering Office or Coffee Zone in Lyster Army Health Clinic.

For more information, call 255-9810.