On May 1, Stillwater will be hosting Ladies Night Out, May Day on Main. From 5 to 8:30 p.m. women will be given discounts on clothing at boutiques and shops on Main Street in downtown Stillwater, as well as decorating ideas and fashion tips. In addition, restaurants will have drink specials, appetizers, and food samples. The area’s historic inns will offer discounts on overnight stays for out-of-towners.

Ladies Night Out is an event that occurs five times each year. It encourages visitors to explore what Stillwater has to offer and be a part of the local businesses. It also draws in women from all across the state, and even parts of Wisconsin.

“Ladies Night Out started three years ago as a small event, and it has evolved into a regular tourist attraction,” said Joan Sleem, owner of Camy Couture Boutique on Main St. “We get people from the cities, and even places like Apple Valley and Eau Claire.”

After May, Stillwater will have Ladies Night Out dates throughout the summer and into the fall season. Upcoming evenings include “Hot Mama’s” on July 10, “Save the Tata’s – Breast Cancer Awareness Nite” on Sept. 18, and “Queen for a Day” on Nov. 6. Participating business owners spend time preparing for, and creating discounts for the lady shoppers.

“We like to shake it up, and offer different discounts each time,” said Sleem, “But there are always door prizes at the end of the night from each participating business, and one grand prize for $100 to be spent at any of those businesses.”

Junior Jayna Davis has previously attended Ladies Night Out with friends from out of town, and hopes to be at May Day on Main.

“I really liked the atmosphere of the event,” said Davis. “It’s fun and festive, and it displays the town of Stillwater in a very positive light.”

The event is organized in a progressive style that moves throughout the evening.

“Ladies Night Out is structured. It has a start and an end point on opposite ends of Main Street, but it always ends at a restaurant,” said Sleem.

Ladies are expected to dress their very best if they hope to be acknowledged in the costume contest that comes with the theme of each individual Ladies Night Out.

“The costume contest is really fun,” said Sleem, “It allows the ladies to let down their guard and just have a blast.”

Although most of the participating stores and businesses are located on Main Street, a couple of them are located in other areas. Urban Violet Boutique, for example, plans to participate in every  Ladies Night Out this upcoming year.

“We like to promote Chestnut Street, to help people branch out from Main Street and explore more into downtown Stillwater, especially with the tourism Ladies Night Out brings,” said Urban Violet owner, Laura Elkington.

No matter if they are from the area, or passing through for a visit, women are encouraged to see what Stillwater has to offer by coming to Ladies Night Out.