Girls Just Want to Have (Discounted) Fun

This Friday, Northfield’s downtown shops will be open just a little bit later.

Stores participating in the fifth annual Girls Nite Out event—identified by the pink shoes in their windows—will offer sales, activities, and, in at least one instance, “teeny martinis.”

The event, which features discount shopping on Division Street shops and a live band at , starts at 4:30 p.m Friday. Proceeds go to Ruth’s House, an organization that provides housing and support to homeless families in Faribault.

Girls Nite Out begins on Bridge Square, where attendees can pick up their wristbands. The wristbands entitle wearers to discounts at more than 30 Northfield stores and restaurants. Shops have special products, sales, and trunk shows planned for the night, and many restaurants will run specials.

“We always do some drink specials for the ladies,” said Joe Grundhoefer, owner of , where women will get dollar-off chocolate martinis, long island iced teas and cosmopolitans.

The will also get in the spirit: they’ll offer mini-cupcakes and “” to visitors, and they’ll also be selling a special Girls Nite Out charm for $7.

At 9 p.m., the festivities move to The Grand, where attendees can enjoy free appetizers and desserts while they await the 9:30 p.m. grand prize drawing. The winner will receive a $1,000 downtown Northfield shopping spree.

After the grand prize drawing, Twin Cities cover band Sweet ‘Stache will take the stage.

The band's Facebook page touts its musical styling as "cheesy greatness from the '70s and '80s." The band also played last year’s Girls Nite Out, and by some accounts, they saved the day.

“Last year we had terrible, terrible weather. But the consensus was it was the most fun ever because we got Sweet ‘Stache,” said Dianne Sinclair, owner of and an organizer of Girls Nite Out.

Jessica Paxton, who suggested the band for last year’s event, remembers their performance fondly.

“Last year the dance floor was literally packed all night, with women of all ages—from their 20s to their 60s—shakin' their booties.”

WANT TO GO TO GIRLS NITE OUT?
WHERE: Get tickets at Bridge Square, shop on Division Street and see live music at The Grand.
WHEN: Wristbands will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday, stores will close at 9 p.m., and the Grand will be open from 9 p.m. to midnight.
WHO: Women of all ages. The Grand will have a bar for those older than 21.
TICKETS: The $10 tickets can be purchased in advance at , , , , , and . They can also be purchased on the night of the event, but tickets are limited.
MORE INFO: Visit the event’s Facebook page or call 507-645-2376.