By KRISTI TAUSINGA
The Progress
It was a holiday shopper’s playground at Mesquite Lumber/Ace Hardware last week. Approximately 350 people entered the crafters arena at the second annual “Ladies Night Out” event hosted by the store on Friday, Nov. 5.
The event took place behind Mesquite Ace Hardware on a beautiful Nevada fall night. The weather was perfect, the vendors excited to showcase their handywork, and the food from area foodtrucks was delicious. It was the perfect setting to kick off the holiday season.
Event coordinator Caity Miller said that this was the second year in a row that they have hosted the event. Last year, when several of community events around town were cancelled because of the pandemic, Ace Hardware decided to sponsor a “ladies night out” to give local craft vendors and other businesses a chance to showcase and sell their goods. It was such a success that the store staff decided to make it an annual event.
Last week, the back lot of Ace Hardware was jam-packed with vendors, attendees and, of course, food trucks. There were gift bags for the first 100 ladies to enter the vendor area. These bags were filled with everything from chap stick, soap, bath bombs, stickers, spices, jewelry, and snacks.
The vendors offered a wide variety of goods including holiday decorations, handmade signs, custom cups, jewelry, Tupperware, wall hangings or gnomes. Crafts were in abundance and there was something for everyone. Crafts made from wood, old tools turned into yard insects and animals, old boots, feathers, shells, yarn, towels, epoxy. Pretty much any old thing that a person could pick up, someone had made some craft object or artwork from it!
Music was provided in the background that had people moving and shaking. DJ Fuego kept the place rocking and was also the Master of Ceremonies in announcing the prize winners.
Several business donated prizes. Participants were given a door prize ticket upon arrival and there was a chance to win more tickets by participating in a “Where’s Wanda” game.
This game took participants to several of the booths earning them extra tickets. Prizes were donated by the following businesses: Shareens Hair and Nails, ACE Hardware, Bliss Salon, Heathers Cleaning Co., Melissa Rowan, Fringe Salon, The View, and an Oasis/Peggy Sues/Cucina Italiana Gift Card.
One of the vendors, Jan Tensland, was showcasing several wall hangings she had made from what appeared to be old barn wood and an array of other everyday items such as an old boot, horseshoes, feathers, broken glass, nuts and bolts, bottle caps, floor tiles, old bottles, rocks and beads.
Tensland said she loved making crafts and being involved with the Mesquite Fine Arts Center. She has been featured by having her artwork on the brochure for the center.
The “Corndog Truck” food vendor was on hand for the festivities as well as Tan Bueno Tacos selling street tacos. Shoppers were able to stay cool with cold bottled water that was provided by Arvada Springs Ranch.
It was a fabulous night of shopping, food and fun. It was evident from the laughter, dancing and watching friends catching up and showing off their prized finds for the night. Thank you to Caity Miller, Nicole Enriquez, Jessica Meierhoff, Mesquite Lumber ACE Hardware, the vendors, food trucks and all those that were involved in making the second annual Ladies Night a huge success!
