Summit Hosts 2nd Girls' Night Out

Are you female and living in or around Summit?

Are you in need of some fun, quality time with your girlfriends?

Are you free this afternoon?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, head downtown today from 4:30 to 9 p.m. for food, fun, and shopping at Summit's second "Girls' Night Out" event.

Participants in this free event will have the opportunity to support local businesses while benefitting from exclusive promotions, giveaways, treats, and prizes at their favorite Summit shops and restaurants.

This will be the second Girls' Night Out in the city since its October debut which was "extremely successful," according to Marin Mixon, the Summit Downtown Executive Director.

"In 2009, we were brainstorming about creating an event to bring our good customers into our downtown," said Mixon.

She went on to explain that the idea for the Night Out event was inspired by nearby communities that had organized similar evenings in an effort to bring more patrons into the downtown to support their local businesses.

October's event featured the involvement of 65 downtown shops, salons, eateries, and other merchants, a number that will jump to more than 70 today.

Participating venues include J.B. Winberie Restaurant & Bar, Color Me Mine Pottery Studio, Roots Steakhouse, Fiorino Ristorante, Monster Sushi, Summit Ski and Sport, Brownie Points Bakery, Sweet Nothings, The Papery, Beadluxe, The DeBary Inn, Zoku Salon, and many others.

You can check out the full list of participants here.

Women attending the event should head to one of two welcome tables located on Beechwood Road at Bank Street and at the Summit Promenade, across from 417 Springfield Avenue.

At the event tables, shoppers will receive a Summit logo tote bag and welcome packet to guide their expeditions and help them get the most of their night on the town.

"We will be giving out a 'See it. Shop it. Live it.' (the Summit Downtown logo) bag and inside will be a map directory of participating businesses," Mixon said.

The bag will also contain a booklet describing the numerous offers and promotions that will be available from local merchants.

Some of these exclusive offers include a wine and truffle sampling at Sweet Nothings, discounts and free gifts with purchases at Seal & Co., a $20 fixed price menu at Bona Vita Osteria plus free sangria for adult customers, and free studio fees at Color Me Mine for women 18 years and older.

While retailers will be dealing out great discounts and gift giveaways, Thursday night's restaurant promotions will vary from free appetizers to a complimentary glass of wine or dessert, depending on the eatery. Many restaurants will also be preparing special fixed price menu options.

A night of shopping and dining just wouldn't be complete without some entertainment.

A caricaturist will be stationed outside of Sweet Nothings to create personal souvenirs for patrons. At the Summit Promenade, a jazz guitarist will be setting the mood with some musical entertainment, and the Summit High School band will be performing outside of Cove Discount Carpet One.

In addition, keep your eyes open for a professional mime who will be wandering the downtown, looking to bring smiles to shoppers and diners.

It is recommended that women register in advance and according to Mixon, nearly 400 have already signed up to be a part of this week's Girls' Night Out. Those who are pre-registered will be entered into a raffle and have the opportunity to win some great Summit prizes.

Raffle prizes include merchandise from local vendors, such as Vera Bradley designer bags, and an exclusive Romance Weekend Package at The Grand Summit Hotel.

Women of all ages are invited to attend the affair.

"This is an evening geared for ladies, although younger folks with their (parents or grandparents) are always welcome," Mixon said.

For more information, or to register for Summit's Girls' Night Out, visit the Summit Downtown Web site.

"We're very excited with the response we've had," Mixon. said

If you happen to miss this Thursday's Girls' Night Out, don't panic. There are plans to hold another special evening on the town in the fall of 2010.