Published: September 15, 2008 09:42 am      

Event helps women welcome autumn

DANVILLE — With the recent cool weather, people’s thoughts turn to pumpkin treats, apple cider and colorful mums.

Local women will get the chance to welcome autumn when Danville Gardens presents its annual Girls’ Night Out on Thursday.

“It’s a nice, relaxing evening,” said Polly Sullivan, who has been to the spring and fall events the past four years. “It’s very enjoyable.”

Sullivan will be among the 25 vendors selling their goods. She sells Shaklee all-natural vitamins and cleaning products. She’s also the mother of Lisa Campbell, one of the owners of Danville Gardens.

“It’s a fun night,” Campbell said. “You’re not pressured to buy anything. I usually start my Christmas shopping.”

The event is limited to 300 women, who may come and go during the evening. For the price of the $10 ticket, they will get appetizers, a goody bag with coupons and samples, and a chance to win one of 30 door prizes.

“You can hang out for a couple of hours and just walk through,” she said. “It’s very casual.”

The vendors will be stationed in the greenhouse, and will sell their goods and give samples. The independent consultants will have their fall items out, Campbell said.

The event will get people into the fall spirit, Sullivan said.

The longtime business also will have flowers for sale, such as mums and pansies.

About 100 tickets are left, and the event usually sells out, Campbell said. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Danville Gardens also has a spring brunch and luncheon to get people warmed up for the growing season. That event, which draws 350 people, offers a catered meal, fashion show and presentation of new plants and products. It’s more formal than the fall Girls’ Night Out.

Some of the vendors for Thursday’s event include 4 Health’s Sake, Blue Kangaroo, Carle Clinic, Coldwater Creek, Coyle Chiropractic, Home Interiors, Queen Ann’s Cottage, Curves and Signature Homestyles.

Other vendors are Vemma, Sensaria, Jane’s Jewelry, Stampin’ Up, Selby’s Custom Drapes, Premier Designs Jewelry, Party Lite, Pampered Chef, Longaberger, Lia Sophia, Healthy Thymes, Cookie Lee, Colby Creations, Avon and Arbonne.

“I have never heard anyone say they haven’t enjoyed it,” Sullivan said.

COMING UP

Danville Gardens’ Girls’ Night Out will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday at its greenhouse, 1307 Cleary Ave. Cost is $10 per person.

Tickets are required in advance by calling 442-4944. Seating is limited to 300 women.

The business’ Web site is http://www.DanvilleGardens.com