FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 23, 2012) -- The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation invites women to enjoy a Girls Night Out Sept. 7 at the ballroom in The Landing. No men or children are permitted at the ladies event that features dancing, browsing and entertainment.
The event is open to the public for ages 18 and older with tickets currently for sale at The Landing Zone. Tickets are $10 and will also be available at the door the night of the event.
"Girls Night Out is a ladies-only event that provides local women the chance to meet business owners and employees in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that is devoted strictly to them. They can browse booths, freshen up on women's health issues, meet with friends and have a good time," said Leigh Ann Dukes, DFMWR sponsorship and advertising sales manager.
"Women wear everything from casual jeans or date night clothes to business attire because many come straight from work," she added.
The vendor portion of the night is 6-9 p.m. while the entertainment portion of the night is 9-11 p.m.
"The vendor portion is more of an expo or a showcase event. People are basically window shopping. There will be no sales that night. It's just a chance for women to see what the vendors have to offer, and letting women who may be new to the area know where these businesses are located to encourage them to explore the Wiregrass area," said Dukes.
The focus changes from business to pleasure with the opening of the dance floor for women to hang out, let loose and have a good time with friends.
"It will be a ladies-only karaoke and dance party. The $10 ticket purchase includes the after party, the vendor gathering and a beverage. If ladies would just like to attend the after party and not attend the vendor portion of the night they are more than welcome to for $5 at the door," she said.
"There will be a DJ throughout the night that will play a variety of music," said Brian Jackson, FMWR program manager. "He does a really good job of making everyone feel comfortable to dance and sing and just have a good all-around time. He will even get on the floor and teach participants dances. Stress just melts off the faces of the women who attend. You see nothing but smiles."
This is the third time the event has been held and the DFMWR expects the event to keep growing.
"Next spring we will host it again, but vendors will be allowed to sell their wares next time. We will have some mom-and-pop type stores as well as large businesses. It will help the women of the area, especially military spouses who are not familiar with Dothan or even Enterprise, to see what the area has to offer," said Dukes.
The demographic of the women who attend is large, with attendees ranging from 18 years old to 65 years old.
"Women of all ages will be there mingling and dancing. Grandmas as well as granddaughters are welcome," said Dukes.
Women who have busy or stressful lives are encouraged to take a break and take a night for themselves.
"It's a good way for women to get away from work and the stress of the week. It's a morale-boosting event because women are going to be with their friends and will be able to live it up as well as get some insight on women's issues and do some window shopping," said Jackson.
A special event food menu and beverage specials will be available for purchase all evening, but are not included in ticket price.
Vendors and sponsors from the area will provide entertainment as well as door prizes to the women who stop at their booths.
"The Southeast Alabama Medical Center has made the night possible. They are a huge supporter of DFMWR. They have donated the 100 door prize gift bags. The bags are super cute polka-dot gym type bags, and have all sorts of neat stuff inside like stress balls and athletic cups to promote healthy living," she said.
Other vendors that will be in attendance include: salons, retail stores, spas and boutiques.
"Mary Kay, Scentsy, 31 Gifts and a lot of photographers will be in attendance also," said Dukes.
"The Vita Luna boutique will be doing a fashion show at 7:30 p.m. The show will last about 30 minutes and [the boutique] has a lot of cute things, so women will really enjoy the showcase," she added.
Around 30 vendors will be present at the event and, according to Dukes, each participates in the fun-filled atmosphere.
"Each vendor normally brings at least one door prize, so in addition to the 100 we give out almost everyone will get a door prize. Everyone, though, gets a boa from the Enterprise Women's Center. I am sure The Landing hates us when we leave, because there are feathers just everywhere. We have such a good time," said Dukes.
About 400 women are expected to attend and DFMWR encourages all women on post to enjoy an evening out.
"It is just a really fun time. Come out and enjoy yourself," said Dukes.
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