The theme of this year’s milestone Girls’ Night Out is “Vino and Velvet” and dozens of businesses are participating. 

Mari Mullen, executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program, which is coordinating the 20th annual event for Port Townsend, touted the event as “a day and night filled with community, camaraderie, celebration and fun.”

Mullen would love to see attendees elegantly “dressed to impress,” as part of the Vino and Velvet theme as they follow along with the “Sip and Stroll” festivities from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 3. The overall event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that Thursday.

Port Townsend businesses are participating through special events and in-store promotions as well as through donations to raffle baskets and goodie bags.

Standard goodie bags go on sale for $25 starting at 11 a.m. at Girls’ Night Out headquarters, which is at Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards downtown at 725 Water St., until they run out. The wine walk is $40 and includes a goodie bag, 10 tasting tickets and a wine glass.

Additional tasting tickets are available, but all customers must be 21 or older to participate in the wine walk.

Wine is available for purchase at 10 participating wine locations, listed online at ptmainstreet.org, while wine walk tickets are limited to 200 and are available for purchase online, also at ptmainstreet.org, from now through the day of the event, depending on their availability.

The evening ends with the popular wrap party from 7-9 p.m., again at Vintage, which includes raffle and door prizes, as well as a chance to spend time with friends. Refreshments will be available for purchase there, as well. 

Jeannine Kempees, owner of About Time Clothing and Shoes, reported that the Girls’ Night Out has “always been a highlight of our year.”

“Providing a community-based shopping experience is what we are all about, and we’re even more excited this year to add the ‘Sip and Stroll’ component.”

Kempees touted the participation of multiple local businesses as “another way to bring people together” for the 20th anniversary celebration.

This event’s sponsors include Jefferson Healthcare, 1st Security Bank, and Holley Carlson, Harmony Geske and Jen Rubinowitz of Coldwell Banker Best Homes.

Jefferson Healthcare notes that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Christine Skorberg recommends routine mammograms for patients over 40, because it’s the most effective way to catch breast cancer in its early, manageable stages.

“The diagnostic technology available at Jefferson Healthcare can catch cancer even before symptoms arise,” Skorberg said. “If a second look is needed, we have a complete diagnostic team to see you through your care.”