French treats await visitors to Ladies Night Out

Hundreds of women will be out and about in downtown Grafton for the 11th annual Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

This year’s theme is “Passport to Paris!”

“Every year, we try to top the year before,” said Pam King, executive director of the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, which presents the event.

“This year, we’re going to have a few new things that are somewhat reminiscent of Paris.”

Throughout the downtown will  be French music and street artists. King said attendees will be given a padlock to decorate a love lock bridge, which is a popular trend for couples in Paris.

Fashion students of Mount Mary University will have a fashion show that unveils their original designs. 

“Every year, we try do adapt and do new things relative to our theme. This year is no different,” King said.

The Chamber expects more than 500 women to fill the streets, with a number of businesses offering free giveaways.

For the fourth consecutive year, there will be a clothing swap in which women may bring up to five accessories to be traded. The remaining items will be donated to Family Sharing of Ozaukee County.

At 7 p.m., attendees will enjoy cupcakes at the Paramount Plaza, followed by raffle drawings at 7:30 p.m.

The evening will have performances by local musicians, including Grafton High School’s jazz ensemble. There will also be grab-and-go treats such as pretzels and slushies.

Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. on Bridge Street between 12th and 13th avenues. The cost is $10 per person in advance or $15 at the event.

To register in advance, visit www.grafton-wi.org or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page.

As of early this week, King said, 400 women had registered. The first 500 are guaranteed a coin purse and a scarf.