Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Shoppers discuss confectionary offerings during Girls Day Out Saturday. Shoppers were invited to participating businesses and home businesses.
The 2019 Girls Day Out was several inches - of snow – off from the 2018, and the participation shows it, according to event organizers.
Girls Day Out is an event hosted by the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce encouraging women of the Cheyenne County area and beyond to see what Sidney businesses have to offer. In 2018, the Girls Day Out followed a blizzard that resulted in state recognition for First Responders, dispatchers and volunteers initiative during the storm. The Girls Day Out was a somewhat balmy day with the snow melting and resulting channels of water. This year was a much different story with cool temperatures but no precipitation to slow shoppers.
Sandy Goble, Membership and Communications Director for the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, said 300 bags were assembled and all were sold. More than 60 businesses supported the event through coupons, longer hours or direct support of the event.
"We were very pleased by the participation and the turnout," Goble said.
The event started with registration and purchase of gift bags at the Fox Theatre. The bags included gift and discount certificates to participating Chamber businesses.
The day also included a matinee movie free of charge.
The event was supported by about 20 volunteers in addition to Chamber staff and members.
One of the benefits of the purchasing the gift bags is the chance to win prizes. In the past, Chamber members supported one large prize. This year, the chances got better for participants.
"Instead of one grand prize, we were able to spread the wealth," Goble said.
The chances of winning a prize increased with a new program called "Caught You Shopping" sponsored by Pennington Seed. In "Caught You Shopping," Chamber staff perused downtown businesses and videoed random people shopping. Those who were contacted received a cash bonus for shopping local. More than six shoppers were recognized and awarded for visiting local businesses.
There were also three men who took part in Girls Day Out.
As the event wraps up, the question of "what can we do different" comes to mind. Goble said the Chamber has been doing variations of Girls Day Out for so long it is fairly polished
"There are little tweaks every year, depending on the participating businesses," she said.
The event had more than 60 businesses - storefront businesses and home-based businesses - participate in Girls Day Out this year.
"It is exciting to see the enthusiasm from our participating Chamber businesses and the involvement of the community," Goble said.
Next for the Chamber is "A Night Out in Potter" scheduled to start at 5 p.m. in Potter.
The first Downtown Sounds concert is planned for May 17 with Southern Fryed on stage.
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