Galentine's Day party celebrated sisterhood and friendship

Galentine's Day is an annual celebration of sisterhood, friendship and ladies celebrating ladies. The holiday was invented in 2010 by the scriptwriters of the TV series Parks and Recreation.

In Rockton, ladies came together on Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, 2024 for three hours of original Galentine's Day fun, as all were warmly welcomed into downtown businesses. New friendships also developed during the evening.

Options included a visit to the always popular Dairyhaus where they featured a “Only for Galentine's Day” Red Velvet Cheesecake ice cream, in collaboration with Halo Cupcakes.

At Dee Dee's Main Street Coffee and Decor  they had  “Coffee in a Cone,”  made in collaboration with the Dairyhaus. Sugar Britches had rose caramel apples.

On Hawick Street, Healing Touch Acupuncture was home to several healing methods, both for the physical body and emotional well being. Owner Rachel Lynch warmly invited ladies for auricular acupuncture. Kathy O'Dierno, LCSW, did mini astrological readings. Rachel Bixbe read tarot cards, sitting near a participant. In another room, psychic healer Jena Biermann performed Akashic record readings, claiming to tap into spiritual, emotional or physical aspects of one's life.

Lynch's husband Leo Arce made flan, which a sweet and delicious Mexican dessert. All who sampled this delicacy were left wanting more.

Sandra Fenton and her mom came out to enjoy a full evening of the Galentine's Day experience.

“I had a lot of fun, especially at Healing Touch which had such excellent flan and offered great comradery and activities,” Fenton said.

Jill Rae Finally Art offered a chance to make a ceramic heart macrame key chain as a make n' take. This venture proved to be challenging at times,  bringing  on many laughs through the process. Visitors captured memories behind a backdrop in a photo booth.

At Talcott Free Library, patrons created Galentines Day cards.

Inkwell Books & Threads welcomed everyone for a book scavenger hunt. Tattoo artist Reverent Henna was also onsite. All designs were applied freehand.

“Inkwell had a very cool book-based scavenger hunt, and Sugar Britches also has habanero caramel apples, both of which were awesome-inspiring,” said Jodi May, the owner of Sugar Britches.

Frosted Farmhouse had a complimentary champagne bubbly bar, a Valentine's photo booth. They also had in-store sales and specials.

Ric-Rac Embellishments & Gifts and Pick-A-Dilly Antiques also offered Galentine's Day specials.

Truly Treasured Gift n Thrift gave complimentary gifts and had a 50% off pink tag sale. They also had a drawing for a very nice gift basket full of awesome things.

Trivia was the name of the game at Rockton Inn Pub and Grub. Special keepsake wine glasses could be purchased with a choice of wine, in addition to food and drink specials. Dawn Heavilin and her friends were the trivia team winners under the name “The Golden Girls.”

Monique Weaver and a group of friends were invited to the event by a friend who found information on Facebook about it. She sent a group text to see who wanted to join her in a night of fun.

“We all thought it looked like a great time- and it was!” Weaver reflects. “I really enjoy downtown Rockton and it gave my friends and I a chance to see some new places.”

“We especially enjoyed Frosted Farmhouse, Inkwell Books and Threads and the trivia games at Rockton Inn Pub and Grub... There were a few places that we didn't make it to because we wanted to secure a spot in the games.”

“It was a fun night and I think we would definitely do it again. We appreciate the events that Rockton hosts and enjoy making them part of our plans whenever it is possible,” Weaver said.

Erica Esselman and her group of friends made new memories this year.

“Galentine's Day is one of my favorite small town events in Rockton!” Esselmen said. “It is a night to celebrate friendship. Walking around to the shops to find fun photo ops, seeing what fun creations Sugar Britches has come up with, and enjoying yummy treats from Dairyhaus and Dee'Dees are a few of our favorite things... Time spent visiting together over dinner at Rockton Inn was the cherry on top!”

Old and new friendships were sealed and celebrated at the 2024 Galentine's Day party.