Outgoing Chamber of Commerce director Sara Middleton was worried, prior to the Ladies Day Out event, that participation would be low. She was concerned that maybe the 100 "swag bags" they had all made up and ready to go were too many, as they only pre-sold about 25. And she was nervous that after a very successful run as Chamber Director, her last major event as Director could be a flop.
But then, on the day of the event, she and other volunteers found themselves scrambling to make more as a flood of shoppers showed up to buy tickets. In the end, they sold about a hundred more than they'd pre-sold. Demand almost out-stripped supply – which is always a good problem to have. And proved Middleton need not have worried.
One didn't even need to leave the Chamber of Commerce office before finding the first unique shopping opportunity of the day. There author Sarah Thompson was set up with copies of her book, Eagle Grove, Woodland Creatures & Downtown Features (illustrated by Middleton), offering free autographs. The book was being sold as a fund-raiser for the electronic sign project.
And there were raffle tickets for sale as well, to raise funds for the Chamber. With a fantastic assortment of prizes to be won on display.
Outside the Chamber, folks could be heard saying they figured the nice, comfortable weather was behind the high turn out. At first. But then, it started to rain – and nobody seemed deterred. At first it was just a light drizzle. Then, for a little while, it was a downpour. Nonetheless, shoppers continued unabated.
Local merchants in all sectors, from minor purchases like t-shirts and beverages, to major purchases like collectibles and furniture, reported having a good day in terms of sales. As did vendors exhibiting in the two pop-up shopping malls, one at the Senior Center, and one at Memorial Hall.
A wide variety of wares were on display at Memorial Hall, from beeswax and honey products, to woodworking crafts, to jewelry, tupperware, and much more. And the Nine and Dine restaurant was running a pop-up restaurant in the pop-up mall, serving mouth wateringly delicious fresh fried donuts, sandwiches, and more. Which had people raving and ravening for more.
At the Senior Center there was a bake sale with a lot of yummy goodies available, and many homespun crafts. And while you might think of the Senior Center as the last place you'd find the youngest vendor on Ladies Day Out, there she was! 10 year old London Parrot was set up selling bracelets (including friendship bracelets she made herself) and was all smiles when she found out she was the official youngest vendor of the event.
At the other end of the spectrum was the oldest shopper found participating. Elsa Smith, who is almost 99 years old, was out with her daughter Marilyn Middleton, shopping. They even stopped in at Arden Scott Collectibles, where Elsa's grandson Troy Middleton was working.
