Girls Night Out to draw after-hours shoppers to Chickamauga April 19

From left, Galleries on Gordon owner Marketta Howard, Sophie's Fine Gifts & Collectibles owner Donna Massengale and Chocolate Therapy Café owner Sandi Townley are preparing for after-hours shopping and more when Chickamauga's Girls Night Out returns April 19. Photo by Mike O'Neal

Tomorrow, April 19, is Girls Night Out but everyone is welcome at this after-hours event hosted by downtown Chickamauga merchants.

"This is the second year we've done this and nearly all the merchants between the post office and the clock at the red light on Gordon Street are participating," said Marketta Howard, owner of Galleries on Gordon. "It is a time to get together, do a little shopping and have some fun."

Held the third Thursday of each month March-September, this night on the town regularly features refreshments, live music and door prizes.

"It gives women who are employed outside Chickamauga a chance to visit with their friends while trying out the shops and restaurants," said Sandi Townley, owner of Chocolate Therapy Cafe. "It gives them a chance to get together after work."

Townley said her business will offer a free mini cobbler to anyone buying a sampler plate. That special will be available from 4:30 p.m. until closing at 8 p.m., so those attending the event will have ample time to shop, she said.

"The only downside to Girls Night Out is that because all of us [shopkeepers] are so busy we don't get to visit each other," she said.

Donna Massengale, owner of Sophie's Fine Gifts & Collectibles - "everyone just knows us as Sophie's" - said, "These Girls Night Out evenings have been fun, entertaining and productive for the businesses. And the customers love it."

Massengale said the garden space behind her circa 1920s shop is normally filled with men who gather around her husband's Big Green Egg grill to trade stories and talk about sports while the women shop. Though the grill will be cool tomorrow - her husband has National Guard duties - Girls Night Out is still open to any and all.

"We have people that are just out walking the circle around the high school, see the lights and wander over; we have teens that seem to enjoy having something to do downtown; and we have our regulars," Massengale said. "It is a fantastic evening. I don't think it could be better."

In addition to the usual mix of Girls Night Out activities, tomorrow night will also include live music, and Michelle Carter, a photographer whose work hangs at Chocolate Therapy, will have a booth with props and costumes where people can have their picture taken.

Howard said the turnout last month for Girls Night Out, the first of 2012, was good and that she expects it to improve throughout the summer.

"A lot of women bring their daughters," she said. "We all expect to have a good time."