International Women’s Day is not just for women!

Much has been written about women’s lives and opportunities prior to the Feminist Movement. As a lifelong feminist (well, almost lifelong… it began in grade 8 when only boys were allowed to raise the Canadian ensign at the front of our school), I was lucky (or smart) enough to marry a man who also describes himself as a Feminist.

To both of us, Feminist means an individual who believes that all people, regardless of gender, lifestyle, religion, country of origin, deserve the opportunity of self determination. I could get fancier, but you get my gist.

So, when the team involved in International Women’s Day celebrations this year were looking for corporate sponsors, I was happy to step up to the plate. In fact, all those sponsoring the event are proud believers in the women’s movement and are ready to celebrate achievement.

This year’s celebration will last an entire day, kicking off with a trade show, and moving right into an evening of honouring women in retail, hearing musical and dance talent as well as laughter, and raising money through a silent auction.

Organizers of this event have taken the theme, All About Me. They’ve invited trade show vendors with products and services interesting to women to book a trade show booth for the March 7 event. At Army Navy Air Force Club on George St., the event will take over two rooms. The Trade Show, Tea Room and Silent Auction will run from 10 am to 5 pm, with demonstrations throughout the day.

The Gala Evening will include a fashion show, a comedian, a dance troupe and honouring of the winning woman-owned retail store, as well as gourmet nibblies and a cash bar. The Gala Evening begins at 6:30 and concludes at 10 pm.

International Women’s Day will features two terrific door prizes, both donated by their owners… an aquamarine necklace, earrings and bracelet valued at $500 by Marlene Donnelly of UpTowneGirl and a hayride for 10-12 people from Maureen Giffen at Edencrest Farm, valued at $150.

Sponsors for the event are the businesses committed to helping this happen. Gold sponsors are Rogers Television, TD Business Banking, UpTowneGirl, Wedding Wizard and Tranter Institute. Silver sponsors are Timpanos, City Flowers and Gifts and me, Go Venture. Bronze sponsor is Paul Nix of Investors Group.

What an opportunity to celebrate so much in our community… the trade show alone is anticipating 40 vendors and with their demonstrations during the day, there will be lots to do.

And what would an event like this be without the volunteers who put it all together? Volunteer organizers include Doris Doran, Elena Guschin, Liz Maw, Diane and John Stoddart, Cathy Greer, Audrey Wiebe, Sheila Hamilton, Marlene Donnelly and Diane McGee.

Audrey Wiebe is chairing the Trade Show. If you’re interested in booking or attending: awiebe@rogers.com or 705 722-5685. What a great opportunity for a small business owner to reach new customers for $75 (which includes the price of a show ticket).

The Silent Auction is being chaired by Sheila Hamilton of Sheila Hamilton Events. If you’d like to donate an item: sheilahamilton@sympatico.ca or 705 791-3077.

If you want to purchase a ticket for yourself, your mother, your daughter(s), your best friend, call Diane McGee admin@wingsandheros.com, 705 424-4213. The committee is expecting at least 200 people to attend the event.

For more: www.IWDSimcoeCounty.com.

Thanks, organizers, for making this happen!