Downtown Millbrook’s biggest event of the year is back and this time it’s throwing it back to the decade of decadence.
That’s right: go digging in your closet in search of those neon colours, spandex, ripped acid-washed jeans, and leg warmers because, for one night only, the town is transporting itself back to the 1980s for this year’s fantabulous Ladies Night.
First held 20 years ago by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA), Ladies Night has become one of the village’s longest-running and most-anticipated events of the year. Featuring music, food, shopping, pampering, and the chance to connect with neighbours, this year’s event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 25th.
“Ladies Night came about as a way of attracting people from both within and beyond the community into the downtown so we could display everything we have to offer,” says event organizer Kate DeKlerck. “That is still very much at the heart of what the event is and why we do it — it’s a great way to bring our local community together with something really fun and different.”
DeKlerck notes the BIA is trying to bring the event back to its pre-pandemic glory, and this year chose to explore a special theme to add some extra fun.
“This is the first time we’re going with a specific theme and built the event around that, so it’s an exciting and fun way to approach the planning,” says DeKlerck. “It’s a theme whose nostalgic nature seems to be the perfect fit for our demographic.”
For Ladies Night, King Street will be closed to make way for the stage and seating area, and to provide space for attendees to get their dance on while strolling through the dozens of vendors to the backdrop of ’80s music.
More than 2,000 people have attended Ladies Night in past years, making it a perfect opportunity for small businesses and artisans to reach a wide audience of potential shoppers.
“It’s a really great vendor opportunity for anybody that wants to get some exposure and be seen by this diverse and big group of people,” DeKlerck says, noting some vendors comes from well outside Millbrook because of the event’s popularity.
The event is still open for vendor registration until Tuesday, July 23rd, at an affordable cost of $60 for a 12-by-12-foot booth. Interested vendors can apply at
www.eventbrite.com/e/910607530637.
“We have a lot of space and we’re looking to bring back vendors that have been a hit, but we’re also interested in welcoming new businesses and new groups to the event,” DeKlerck says.
While the title of the event may sound exclusive, DeKlerck assures Ladies Night welcomes those of all genders who wants to spend a night on the town connecting with others in the community.
“The food, the music, and the vendors are all really attractive and engaging for all people, and it’s certainly not something open to just women,” she says. “We encourage everyone to bring their husbands, children, and entire families. They will find it equally interesting and engaging because there’s always something to see and something to do on the street.”
Here are just a few ways to fully unwind and enjoy all that the ’80s-themed Ladies Night has to offer because, as Cyndi Lauper knows all too well, “girls just want to have fun.”
Embrace your inner Madonna
… or Michelle Pfeiffer or Joan Jett or George Michael or Boy George, or whoever your fave ’80s icon is.
There’s a reason the ’80s was chosen as the theme for Ladies Night — it’s just plain fun. From the over-the-top makeup to big hair and bright colours, it was a decade of standing out and being loud, and that’s the energy to be embraced at Ladies Night, as the BIA encourages everyone to come in their best ’80s looks.
Businesses in downtown Millbrook are already gearing up and ready to throw it back four decades by decorating their storefront windows and pulling out their favourite retro styles. The decorations committee undoubtedly has big plans to transport King Street back in time.
“There’s just something about the ’80s,” says DeKlerck, noting that even her teenage children have been exploring music and trends from the time period. “Even people who didn’t live through it are intrigued and excited by it.”
Party like it’s 1985
Your emcees for Ladies Night are none other than Kawartha-based drag performers Miss Divalicious and Madge Enthat. Often performing and touring across Ontario together, they are sure to put on a show that will keep you out of your seat while you sing, dance, and laugh along.
Because you can’t think about the 80’s without thinking about roller discos, roller rinks, and roller fashions, this year the Millbrook BIA has invited members of Peterborough Area Roller Derby to the Ladies Night stage. Fifteen derby girls and potentially some junior division girls will be representing one of the hottest recreational activities of the decade.
Hopefully you’re a fan of Queen, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie, because a DJ will be spinning the hottest tunes of the decade all night long, to quote Lionel Richie.
“We’ll be asking our emcees and our Derby Girls to contribute to our playlist to make sure we really hit the best of the decade,” says DeKlerck. “We want it to be really fun, upbeat, and have lots of energy behind it.”
Get pampered like a supermodel
Since the night is about spoiling the ladies, there will be plenty of opportunities for indulging in some self-care.
With a special “wellness hub” of vendors, Ladies Night will offer opportunities to get pampered with everything from facials to botox injections from businesses like local medical spas Ageless Beauty and REVIVE.
And while you probably don’t want to go full ’80s with big hair, you can still refresh your look courtesy of local hair stylists.
“Our hair stylists in town go above and beyond on these event nights,” says DeKlerck. “They typically have discounts and other services during the evening.”
Shop ’til you drop
If shopping is your favourite “me time” activity, you’re in luck because many of the businesses on and around King Street will be open past their regular opening hours just for Ladies Night.
Better yet, many of them will be offering discounts, deals, and sales in honour of the occasion — you might even find some ’80s prices.
A lineup of restaurants and bars are also in the vicinity, making it easy to enjoy dinner without straying too far from the party. Moody’s Bar and Grill is one spot right in the centre of town that will be offering a special menu for the evening.
If that’s not enough, in addition to a 50/50 draw, there will be opportunity to win prize baskets filled with a collection of goodies from local businesses. Now that’s totally tubular.
For more information on the Millbrook BIA and for updates on Ladies Night, visit millbrookbia.com and follow the Millbrook BIA on Facebook.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Millbrook BIA. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
