Warwick celebrates the most successful annual “Ladies Night Out”

WARWICK - A light rain and forecasts of possible thunderstorms threatened to postpone the entire event. But clearing skies and near-perfect weather justified an earlier decision by “Ladies Night Out” Co-chairs Tim Mullally and Sue Loughren to go forward. “This ninth annual ‘Ladies Night Out,” said Mayor Michael Newhard, “has to have been the most successful of all.” Based on the extraordinary number of shoppers and fun seekers as well as the crowded shops and restaurants, everyone agreed that his assessment was right on target. It was truly “Ladies Night Out” on Thursday evening, Aug. 24, and the huge turn out and Mardi Gras atmosphere created an annual downtown village celebration that will long be remembered. Most sidewalk cafes and shops were filled and all reported a brisk business as the ladies strolled through the village, shopping and sampling free refreshments and enjoying the live music, entertainment and various events. These included a jazz band, Karaoke contest, tarot card readings, pampering make-overs, massages, antique appraisals and belly dancing among other attractions. Many individual shops also sponsored their own parties with refreshments and special summer sales promotions. Later in the evening the crowd assembled in the Railroad Green for a belly dancing show followed by a long awaited traditional event. At 9 p.m., in an historic first, Mayor Newhard crowned the new “Queens for a Day.” Warwick residents Suzyn Barron and Lee Peterson, well known officers of the Warwick Valley Humane Society and the organization’s animal shelter, had been selected from a stack of nominations, carefully read by a Merchants’ Committee, to be this year’s “Queens.” It was the first time in nine years that more than one person was honored. Debbie Iurato, treasurer of the Merchants’ Guild, presented Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society and Peterson, corresponding secretary, with a bouquet of flowers and a valuable assortment of gift certificates and merchandise donated by participating merchants.