LDBA to Host Third Annual Cookie Exchange

The Leesburg Downtown Business Association (LDBA) will host its third annual holiday cookie exchange Thursday night during its monthly Girls' Night Out (GNO) event in the historic downtown.

Participants will have the opportunity to get a head start on their holiday shopping while receiving free cookies, along with recipes.

"It's the most popular event of all Girl's Night Outs," said Sola Pallotta, owner of Very Virginia and The Pink Shop. "The store owners bake cookies for our customers to show their appreciation, which they can enjoy while visiting our shops."

More than 20 merchants will be participating in the event, including three of Leesburg's newest stores: The Jeans Whisperer, Pure Moxie and Sugar Magnolia.

Creme De La Creme and Books and Other Found Things are also on the list as well as The Cooley Gallery and Leesburg Vintner, both of which will hold wine tastings.

Participating businesses will have a red or green balloon placed outside of their store so everyone will know where to find special deals and promotions, Pallotta said.

Women will also have the chance to create a "wish list", which can be used by their significant other during next month's first "Guys Night Out" event, scheduled for Dec. 20.

Thursday's event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information visit GNO on Facebook.