Fashion, friends, food focus of annual weekend in Geneva
It's time to explore our own backyards. Time to check out the downtown stores, time to consider which restaurants best suit our taste buds and our shopping buds.
It's time, in short, for the third annual JULIETS weekend. JULIETS stands for Just Us Ladies Eating Together and Shopping and the annual girls' weekend of fun and shopping (and dining) is slated for Friday and Saturday in downtown Geneva.
This weekend of fun and frolic begins Friday evening with a chance to "meet the merchants" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Old Towne Pub. Saturday is the main day of the JULIETS weekend and includes not only the chance to see just what downtown Geneva has to offer but also attend a fashion show at Riverside Receptions.
In fact, it's a testament to the increasing popularity of this girls' weekend that organizers have added a second fashion show, at noon. (The first is at 9 a.m.)
"We're still taking reservations for the noon show," said Donna Verhaeghe, who with Mary Wallin is in charge of overall planning of the weekend.
The fashion show is one of the highlights of the JULIETS weekend. And it's not, in Verhaeghe's words, "your typical fashion show.
"It's a little more interactive," she said. Mayor Kevin Burns will emcee both shows and, in keeping with the JULIETS theme, some Romeos will appear. These will be merchants, restaurateurs and even an alderman or two who will circulate through the crowd with giveaways.
"Some of the restaurant owners really ham it up," Verhaeghe said. "It's just a lot of fun."
Participants get a booklet outlining special events and offers. Organizers tried to make that booklet a little more user-friendly this year, with offers categorized by type. For example, spa and beauty establishments are grouped together, as are those focusing on crafts, fashion, home decor, gifts and, of course, restaurants. "They're an exploding category," Verhaeghe said.
The Friday evening meet and greet is a great way to kick off the weekend. Participants not only can meet each other and merchants, they can also munch on appetizers and start to plan their strategy for Saturday. Verhaeghe said there will be a special area set aside for restaurants, giving attendees a chance to make reservations for Saturday, which are strongly recommended.
Earlier this week, there were about 275 people already registered, up from last year's total. At that point, probably 60 percent of the participants were from outside the immediate Tri-Cities area, Verheaghe estimated. "We're getting more local people at the last minute," she said.
Cost is $35 and includes appetizers and socializing with merchants and fellow revelers on Friday evening, the fashion show, a distinctive shopping tote and the JULIETS Rewards Card. This card entitles the holder to special merchant perks or events, be they special sales or perhaps an activity that showcases what the store is all about.
"We want people to go in and experience what the stores have to offer," Verhaeghe said. "It might not be just a sale. Maybe a store will offer a service. It's a chance for merchants to show what they're all about."
Haven't signed up yet? There's still time. Register at www.geneva.il.us/events/ whatsnews.htm or by calling We're Making Faces at (630) 232-4417.
Proceeds from the weekend benefit the Geneva Community Chest, which means you can do good, while having a good time.
People can even register Saturday morning at We're Making Faces, 422 ½ W. State St., though of course they'll miss the Friday reception.
Go ahead. Even if you live right here in Geneva, there's still a new downtown treasure to be uncovered.