StayCation offers reasons not to leave town
The HEART of Rockford Business Association invites women to grab their girlfriends and head to Rockford for the ultimate StayCation on Friday, April 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thirty downtown Rockford businesses will be offering free samples, prizes, take home gifts, unbeatable deals and specials, pampering galore, and much more. The two-day event is another example of how a business community can work together to promote a vibrant retail environment despite challenging times. Luckily for shoppers, there is plenty to do and experience and a great time to pick up some freebies and special pricing on unique items.
In addition to sales and discounts, many participating shops offer free samples and activities.
Baskets in the Belfry offers free samples of hand and body crème, and a drawing Friday evening at 8 p.m., and again on Saturday at 5 p.m. Dar’s Gems & Jewelry is giving a free ring cleaning to customers. Double Take ReSale is holding a drawing for a free Silpada jewelry piece.
Great Northern Trading Company, celebrating its 33rd anniversary, is offering a free gift with purchase on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. J. T. Stitchery & Frame Shop invites shoppers to learn a fun simple “short row” scarf on Saturday at 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. You may sign up to win Potato Chip Scarf Kit as well.
Learn what to do with your new scarf at Jade with a scarf tying demo from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Have a taste of imagination at Old World Olive Press where free samplies of exotic oils and vinegars will be available, and learn more about looking your best at Paperdoll with scarf demos and a free drawing.
Treat your tastebuds at Poindexters Specialty Marketplace with food samples on Friday night and an Amish cheese demo on Saturday, and test your brain power with a Reading Books scavenger hunt.
Take a break at Reds on the River, offering a free hummus and wings bar, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, and don’t miss Rockford Dry Dock, with a specialty snack tasting for your pleasure.
Rockford Flower Shop is offering a free carnation between 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday, and Rudy Kazoody is holding a Build a Basket demonstration Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with a basket drawing at 4 p.m. At Sage & Roses receive a free herb gift with purchase.
Check out Studio D2D’s photobooth, which was a big hit at this year’s EXPO and have plenty of fun making memories to keep. At Sweet Tooth stop in for freshly made carmel corn and ice cream tasting.
The W.A.R. Chest Boutique will hold scarf tying demonstrations Friday at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 p.m. and share stories of rescued women, including moving videos throughout the day on Saturday. These businesses also offer special pricing on many items and services.
Also participating with great spring StayCations specials are Charmed Life…Nail Salon, Right at Home, celebrating their anniversary with special prices, Right Up Your Alley, Aunt Candy’s Toy Store, BowDacious Designs, The Candle Shop, The Corner Bar, G. Williker’s, Grand Cakes, Kimberly’s Boutique, Pegasus Sports, Ward’s Hair Place and Xscape Salon.
So ladies, carve out time for yourselves, grab your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, moms, aunts, nieces and head to Rockford for two days designed just for you.
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