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Community Corner

Ladies... This Weekend is Dedicated to You!

Shopping, fashion and food with your friends! What could be better? It's all right in Downtown Naperville.

What started years ago as a one night event is now three days long, giving women the chance to jump in at any point during the weekend.

“It triples the fun for everyone,” said Katie Wood, Downtown Naperville Alliance Executive Director.

Kicking off the Spring Girls Weekend will be a special event at on Thursday from 4-6 p.m.  The first 100 women to arrive will receive a $10 gift card to use in downtown Naperville, a goodie bag, and a chance to win a Downtown Favorite Things basket valued at $500. Valet parking will be available.

“It’s a fun weekend that women can enjoy with friends,” Wood said.  “We’ve organized the schedule so the ladies aren’t bogged down with the details.  The only requirement is for them to enjoy themselves.”

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Enjoying yourself won’t be hard to do with the after shopping party at from 8-11 p.m. on Thursday. Scott Mackay from 95.9FM the River will host the event and ladies can enjoy live Music from Josh & the Empty Pockets. Another Downtown Favorite Things basket will be awarded to a Thursday night shopper.

The first of two fashion shows, featuring clothing from downtown shops, starts Friday at 9 a.m.  Hosted by , a $10 ticket includes breakfast, prizes and a seat for an informal Spring Fashion Show. The second fashion show will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at .  The $15 cost includes a full brunch, prizes and fashion show.

Economically, Wood said downtown shops do really well over the weekend.

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“Women are spending money pampering themselves more than normal,” she said. “They may not be purchasing paint or drapes, but they’re taking the time to browse and hopefully will come back later to make those purchases.”

Melissa Chappel, Boutique Proprietor at is looking forward to bringing in new clients and pampering existing customers over the weekend.

“We’ll give women a much needed break from their normal day to day routine,” Chappel said.

Ursula Shroeder, owner of Lillian’s Shoppe, is excited about the Girl’s Weekend because she said, “it brings women in from various communities that probably have never shopped in all of the shops here. It gives exposure to all of the shops in the downtown area.”

Don’t worry about parking issue over the weekend. Wood suggests using the parking garages.

“The electronic signage tells you whether there are openings and what level those openings are on," she said. "It saves the time and effort rather than trying to find street parking.”

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