Under the Big Top: It’s an evening to get the girls together

By Dixon Bledsoe

The 2012 Silverton Ladies’ Night Out takes on a circus theme in its seventh year with The Oregon Garden Pavilion showcasing the magic of the big top.

The event will be held April 13, 7 to 10 p.m. and promises to be even more spectacular than usual.

Last year’s theme, Spring In Wonderland, attracted more than 700 women and dozens of booths with products and services geared toward what women want. The 2010 event featured a Western theme complete with a mechanical bull. This year’s circus show is chaired by florist Amy White of 3 Stems.

Organizers promise games, a magician, a mixology class, guaranteed prizes, a drawing for a diamond, and a ringmaster – Doc Titus, a well-known DJ and the official ringmaster for the evening’s excitement. Titus is known for really getting the crowd going, smoozing with the ladies, and being quite the entertainer. Last year’s attendees came from all over the Willamette Valley.

Silverton Chamber Executive Director Stacy Palmer said Ladies’ Night Out is a festive event that also serves as a major fundraiser for the chamber.

“We fundraise to keep dues affordable for all,” Palmer said. “This year’s party is a vintage circus theme, complete with jugglers, music, vendors, food, games, tarot card reading and a mixology lounge – it really will have something for everyone.

“Think Ring Master, games of chance, fortune tellers, bearded ladies, and magicians without the stinky animals,” Palmer said.

The Oregon Garden Resort is offering special packages including tickets to Ladies’ Night Out, overnight lodging, a full buffet breakfast, and admission to The Oregon Garden. Packages range from $139 for two to $239 for four sharing a room. Reservations may be made by calling Brittney Hatteberg at 503-874-2500.

About 30 companies will be touting their wares to circus-goers. They include The Funky Monkey, Butterflies Studio and Gallery, Inc., Whimsy Etc. Boutique, Deb the Bag Lady (Miche), Vault Denim, Fancy Stitches Embroidery Studio, Moonstone Spa, Salon Blondies, The Mercantile, Silverton Fitness, High Priestess Piercing and Tattoo, and Arbonne International, plus many more.

An extravaganza like Silverton’s Ladies’ Night Out would not be possible without sponsors, and this year Palmer is grateful to Allied Waste, Roth’s, Willamette Valley Bank, 3 Stems, Oregon Garden Resort, Citizens Bank, Hollands Collision, and Dr. Rodney Orr.

Palmer’s inviting women to make a date with their girlfriends and come one, come all to watch the magic of the circus unfold under the big top at the Oregon Garden Pavilion.

While it is quite possible there may be some local men serving appetizers and signature drinks, it is definitely a night reserved for the ladies. Attendees also must be 21 to partake in the  festivities. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. VIP parking is available close to the pavilion for an additional $10 and may be purchased through the chamber.