Racine- A new event has been added to Downtown Racine’s 2009 Calendar of Events. Ladies’ Night Out will be held on the third Thursday of each month.

Downtown Merchants will roll out the red carpet for ladies on these special Thursday evenings. Visit over 30 shops and restaurants in Downtown Racine for a fun ladies night out and benefit an important local charity with every purchase.

From 6-9 p.m., participating stores will have fun in-store activities, demonstrations or specials to make it a unique shopping experience. Just follow the pink flags throughout Downtown and let the fun begin.

Participating restaurants will also be offering something special. A percentage of every purchase will be donated to the designated charity of the month.

Ladies Night Out for March will be held on Thursday, March 19 from 6-9 p.m. This month, Ladies Night Out will benefit HALO — Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization. HALO provides emergency shelter needs for men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness, coordinates supportive service that helps homeless adults become self-sufficient, and ensures children get positive support though stable living and learning environments. HALO also leases independent apartments in Racine for families transitioning from homeless to independence.

Here are some of the special events being offered during the March Ladies Night Out:

Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, 231 Main Street – will feature a $6 Ladies Night Martini menu along with their newest Thursday night promotion, Pick Me, Squeeze Me. Make Me Wine night with $10 bottles of wine. And, at 9 p.m. get a lively piece of warm bacon with every drink.

Hot Shop Glass, 239 Wisconsin Avenue — will host glass blowing demonstratons. See women turn molten glass into gorgeious art!

Funky Hannah’s, 324 Main Street — offers three new earring designs for a quick and easy “make it and wear it” project. No registration is needed. Cost is $10.

Cup of Hope, 507 6th Street — will feature a performance by Wylde Thyme from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wylde Thyme is a group of family and friends that met while playing Irish music under the direction of Martyn Clipsham of Celtic Strings. They perform mostly Irish tunes with a “wee bit” of world music. The group will feature the following musicians during their Cup of Hope engagement: Nick and Isa Fritz on bodran and fiddle; Frank Inman on mandolin; Elaine and Rachael Kinch on guitar and fiddle; Sue and Sarah Marquardt on keyboard and percussion and Edward Wozniak on bass.

Molly MaGruder, 330 Main Street – will have samples and a free raffle of Wildtree all natural foods; a free raffle for the Jeff Ward CD of your choice, and samples of Inish, the fragrance of Ireland cologne while supplies last.

Northern Lights Gallery, 423 Main Street — listen to the music of Bill Robbins on guitar playing classic and folk rock by artists such as Tom Petty, Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones and some originals. One day specials on Baggallini and Derek Alexander purses during Ladies Night Out and check out the new Pilgrim Jewelry which just arrived.

Art Metals Studio, 332 Main Street — will offer 10% off all in-store merchandise. 10% of our sales will be donated to Halo. They will also provide a complementary ring inspection and cleaning for all who attend (this service is a $25.00 value).

Yardarm, 930 Erie Street — 100% of all the wine sales of the Yardarm’s’two newest white wines will be given to HALO during Ladies Night Out. Albarino and Serenity are fabulous wines and guests will receive $10 off either bottle!

Elegant Pauper, 433 Main Street — all Swarovski Crystal sunglasses are $29.00 (this is a $10 savings).

Rejuvenations Massage & Spa, 215 6th Street — receive 25% OFF all merchandise and 25% back on all gift certificates. 10% off all appointments booked that night.

Dover Flag and Map, 323 Main Street — 25% off butterflies; 15% off nautical gifts; 15% off globes.

Waves, 107 4th Street — 2 for 1 drinks

INSIDE-OUT, 406 Main Street — the first 30 ladies will receive a free bag from TWOS CO. The bag is made of recycled material and can be used anytime.

Upurea, 304 Main Street — Complimentary Mini-Makeover’s ($50 value).

Copacetic, 409 Main Street –will offer chair massages and refreshments.

Plumb Gold, Ltd, 322 Main Street — will offer special pricing on all loose colored gems and will be serving gourmet coffee with Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Monfort’s Fine Art, 423 Main Street — will be serving specialty cheeses and refreshments with entertainment provided by Carol Christensen.

Posted @ 5:02 p.m.