Imagine 550 women.  Now, imagine them all together in one location. Now, imagine them all together, in one location, shopping, and using power tools. That last one threw you off AND made you smile, didn’t it? 

 

I am not talking about a mall or the local department store.  I am talking about the Ladies Night Out event that was held for the very first time at Keim Lumber Company on September 11.  Yes, you heard right.  There were 550 women at a lumber yard!  Who would have guessed?  This one night filled with do-it-yourself clinics, cooking demonstrations and interior decorating techniques was a huge success!  

 

Planning this event, I crossed my fingers for at least 100 women. I was eager and excited when I had 50 in the first week of registration. My excitement turned to complete disbelief when suddenly I had 300 women signed up.  My phone rang off the hook for 2 weeks straight. When we arrived at the day of the event, I had 500 women pre-registered and an overwhelming feeling of excitement. Unbelievable! 

 

Beginning with dinner and an interior design seminar given by local interior designer, Carol Mullet, the night was full of activities.  The do-it-yourself clinics ranged from installing a storm door to using a Milwaukee Hackzall; painting and wallpaper techniques to installing a dimmer light.  With a makeshift wall, women could observe the correct way to paint using Valspar and other paints.  Other clinics included cleaning product demonstrations, tile installation, faucet installation, door hardware installation, and learning how to winterize a lawn.  The tool department was a huge hit with demonstrations ranging from the Hackzall and Miter Saw to using the Dremel tool and learning how to turn a pen!  To top off the night, Amish Country Living’s Lee Ann Miller performed two cooking demonstrations using the Bosch Mixer. 

 

Standing in the background, I observed these women educating themselves, winning prizes, and simply enjoying their evening.  They were all laughing, talking, and learning new things that would enable them to do those around-the-house jobs that men were considered responsible for doing.  I smiled.