Girlfriends getting ready to sparkle

With some new people on the 11th annual Girlfriends’ Weekend committee, Shawn Burkett, who is coordinating the event this year, says that the town is looking forward to a great weekend.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s a great way to get together with your girlfriends to shop locally and eat at good restaurants. It’s a whole weekend with a different event each day.”

The fun kicks off on Friday, Nov. 3, with the most anticipated event of the weekend — the  glitz and glam of the fashion show.

The venue this year is the Diamond Spur Event Center at Three Forks. 

“We are super excited about the venue,” says Stevie Cummins of Jewel of the West, one of the fashion show coordinators. “It’s a much larger capacity so everyone will have a great seat and a great view of the show.” 

Cummins says this year’s show includes a wide variety of fashions from super casual to outdoors to really dressed up. Granite Sports, Hippie Rock Star, The Alpaca Store, Stage Stop Leather, The Handbag Store and Jewel of the West will all participate. Besides fashion and fun, the evening will include appetizers from various Hill City restaurants along with a cash bar. Shuttle service will run from Hippie Rock Star to Diamond Spur so people can enjoy the evening’s festivities without having to drive. Those wanting a tour of Diamond Spur can show up at 4:30 p.m., with doors opening for fashion show, food and fun at 6 p.m.

The money raised that evening will go to a local charity called the Black Hills Road Trip of Hope which offers hope, education and assistance in breaking down barriers to breast cancer “warriors” in the Black Hills area. The nonprofit founded in 2021 offers help with expenses to women undergoing treatment for  breast cancer.

Girlfriends’ Weekend makes a stop at Candyland/Sweet Greens  for the annual vendor show on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It will feature local crafts, jewelry, home decor, essential oils, body scrubs, skin care items and makeup.

Of course all of downtown will be abuzz on Saturday with discounts and special girlfriends drawings all geared to pamper the girlfriends who participate. A Mary Kay Pink PopUp will be held at TurtleTown from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  and ArtForms will have gift basket drawings at 1 and 2 p.m.

Saturday night the fun moves to Tin City Saloon for an 8 p.m. after-party and lip sync contest.

The Hollywood-themed after party will be replete with a red carpet and the ability for women to get their picture taken as they enter.

Burkett says that the idea was suggested by Tin City owner Jessica Jacobs and figured it would be a fabulous addition to this year’s theme which is “Get Your Sparkle On.”

The theme is based on the “Barbie” movie, which was a big hit this summer. It’s also based on empowering women, Burkett said.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, women can enjoy Bingo Brunch at Chute Rooster at 10 a.m. 

There will be plenty to drink and eat and of course some wonderful girlfriend camaraderie.

For more information check out the Hill City Girlfriends’ Weekend Facebook page.