Warwick celebrates 10th annual Ladies Night Out

Warwick - No one keeps count but many observers believe the celebration of the Warwick Merchant Guild’s annual Ladies Night Out on Thursday, Aug. 23, was the most well attended to date. The success of the event, which was chaired this year by Tim Mullally, can be attributed in part to pleasant temperatures as well as the fact that this was the 10th anniversary of the popular celebration. Other attractions included exhibitions and dancing to music provided by DJ Sebastian Monte at Railroad Green. And there were special promotions, food and refreshments offered by participating businesses. The success of the event can also be measured by the number of full tables at local restaurants and outdoor cafes as well as the many crowded shops along Main Street and Railroad Avenue. Participating merchants extended their shopping hours, served refreshments and held special sales. Outside vendors also offered gifts and services in booths and tables along the sidewalks. Country Life, a new business at 40 Main St., and the former home of Port of Call, opened for the first time that evening and celebrated the occasion by inviting everyone to enjoy Champagne and a catered spread. Railroad Avenue was closed to traffic and the crowds at the Railroad Green park had plenty of room to spill out into the street, especially during popular exhibitions of “Zumba “ fitness dancing and belly dancing. One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of the “Queen.” Mayor Michael Newhard introduced this year’s winner, Betty Garrison, as someone truly deserving for her generous spirit. Garrison is a well known for her role as Applefest Coordinator and her numerous contributions to the community as a tireless volunteer. During the ceremony Garrison received an assortment of gift certificates and merchandise donated by local merchants and valued at more than $1,000. Ten years ago, Mullally’s sister Coleen Brennan, then owner of Homefront America, organized the first Ladies Night Out. And in 2000 she came up with another original idea to crown a “Queen for a Day,” during the evening event. Past “Queens” in chronological order include Maria Codd Perez, Karen Cleary, Dorothy Anderson, Gloria Okon and Joy Hansen. In 2006, Suzyn Barron and Lee Peterson from the Warwick Valley Humane Society, shared the honor.