4th Annual West End Ladies Night

While I am not the first to say it, I am a strong believer, that when a few women put their efforts together, anything can be accomplished. This fact is proven again in downtown Manistee as the women on the west end of River Street refuse to give up and roll over during the long, cold, slow, winter months in this Lake Michigan shoreline town.

On Saturday, March 19, 2011, a number of women-owned businesses on the west end of River Street will host their 4th Annual West End Ladies Night Pajama Party from 5-8 pm. They'll have food, drink, great deals and prizes of course. But more than that, I see a group of women with determination, perseverance, and a willingness on their part to turn off the news, forget the economy, and make their own party.

This is what women can do when they join forces for the good of the whole. Each of these women own and operate their own businesses, working long hours and finding their own niches in this quaint Victorian community. It's not easy to eek out a living in a county of 25,000 people, high unemployment, and a high rate of poverty among women and children.

But these women have raised the bar, quit complaining and anted up to carve out individual retail stores highlighting their individual passions against the odds. In February and March, I have to believe they accentuate a "fake it till you make it" attitude that hydrates their spirits until the sunshine and summer residents and tourist return.

The Annual West End Ladies Night Pajama Party takes little effort to organize, really. They simply pull together a few women with "yes" attitudes who do what they say they'll do. They go for it rather than go against it. They posses "can do attitudes."

If you are looking for a mid-winter get-a-way, or if you're in the area, stop down and enjoy the comradery Saturday evening, March 19th in Manistee. You'll find a couple very lovely places to stay on River Street. Plan a girl's night out. You'll meet a few business women who know how to make a party. You might make a few new friends. And you're sure to find a few great shopping deals - - all while shopping in your jammies.

Kudos ladies!