Girlfriends stride into Holland

Girlfriends stride into Holland

Girlfriends Weekend draws hundreds of women into downtown Holland. Photo via fb.com

Downtown Holland is about to host a large crowd of women who are ready to spend.

The fifth-annual Girlfriends Weekend is back in downtown Holland, starting tomorrow through Sunday. The packed weekend offers women three days of shopping, wining and dining with their friends.

The event began in 2009 to help drive retail sales in downtown Holland during the month of March, which tends to be a slower period, said Kara de Alvare, a spokesperson for Downtown Holland.

“We really work hard to provide a weekend that is totally indulgent and pampering for the women,” de Alvare said. “We really try to go out of our way to make the weekend special.”

She went on to say there are a lot of repeat attendees, and Holland merchants try to offer “great discounts” for the women.

Girlfriend time

A majority of the activities are included with the registration fee for the event.

Stores will host a variety of in-store activities as part of the weekend package: magnet making at Borr’s Shoes; hand massages at Model Drug Store and Apothecary Gift Shop; a mini makeover at Merle Norman Cosmetics; a red-carpet strut at jb and me; day-spa pampering at Warner Vineyards and many more.

Women can also partake in special events: wine tasting at Butch’s; learn country line dancing at the Holland Armory; a yoga workout at Freedom Village; and watch a fashion show over breakfast.

Giveaways such as gift certificates and prizes from Holland stores and restaurants will also be part of the event.

Registration

Women can register for the entire weekend for $125 or purchase a Saturday pass for $75.

Sellout

The attendance cap for the Girlfriends Weekend is 400 people, and typically, the event is sold out in advance.