Even as early as three o’clock, an hour before the festivities were set to begin, ladies were lined up along the sidewalks of downtown Millersburg anticipating Saturday’s Girls’ Night Out, organized by the members of Historic Downtown Millersburg. More than 23 of the square’s shops offered extended hours Feb. 19, and were alive with all varieties of special events, from making muffin candles and mini-manicures to demonstrations and updos. Girls of all ages packed into the stores to catch a glimpse of the glitz and glamour.

Little girls galloped along playing tunes on their kazoos, beautiful ice luminaries flickered on the sidewalks, and energetic merchants excitedly welcomed guests as the event continued on through the night with shops closing around 9 p.m. The festivities continued with a packed house for karaoke at the American Legion and a DJ at the Eagles after 8 p.m.

Hannah, Grace and Laura Davison, mother and daughters from Dearborn, Mich., were anxious to attend after receiving an e-mail invitation. They were all decked out in antique outfits and fancy hats, provided by 55 West and Co, in preparation for having their vintage photo taken by Kara Poates of Daystar Photography, of Holmesville,

“We’ve been to the area before and really like to come to Amish Country, so when we got the invitation, we decided to come. This shop is our favorite,” said Laura Davison about Stefanie Kauffman’s eclectic boutique, 55 West and Co, which featured jewelry at 25 percent off regular prices.

Mothers and daughters filled the front of Bookworms Cafe to have their tresses twisted into gorgeous updos by stylists from S&S Mane Attraction before heading around the corner to say “cheese” for Stacey Long of Fifteen81 Photography & Design of Millersburg, who captured the moments with unique glamour shots. Chelsea and Alyssa Hales, sisters from Millersburg, took turns in stylist Tammy Shaffer’s chair.

“We went to Shaker House Antiques for a makeover and then to The Jewelry Store for a hand wax,” said young Chelsea Hale, grinning from ear to ear with her little golden-haired sister, Alyssa, perched on her lap, hamming it up in her new ‘do. “It’s really been a lot of fun.”

Representatives of S&S Mane Attraction were also set up at The Jewelry Store to offer guests a paraffin hand dip. S&S has participated in the event from the beginning. Heather Spurlock, of Killbuck, opted to have her hand immersed in the warm wax, one of more than 500 guests who chose to do so. When it was time to remove the cotton mitt and plastic bag, Spurlock declared the experience “amazing.”

There was an abundance of food samples to enjoy at several of the shops. Geneva Schlabach, of Geneva Chocolates, was set up in Amish Country Essentials with a selection of her artisan treats, including Spicy Praline Pecan Bark, Roasted Almond Bark with sea salt and Salty Pumpkin Seed Bark.

“I define myself by saying that I make chocolate, not candy,” Schlabach explained to visitors as they sampled her sweets.

“Tonight has been wonderful,” shared Schlabach. “I’ve met people from as far away as Columbus and a lot of others from around here.”

Michael Jaeb, of Millersburg, also served samples and handed out recipes for his Simple Gourmet Syrups at Amish Country Essentials. Jaeb, who produces unique all-natural syrups, said his Hickory Meatballs in Red Raspberry Marinara Sauce had been a big hit.

“People have been snapping up the Red Raspberry Syrup,” said Jaeb.

Another popular shop was The Antique Emporium, which featured a giant wagon wheel loom used for rug weaving. Chris Gasser, who developed the wheel based on a traditional style of weaving, commissions the construction of the looms and stands with a local Amishman. Gasser said the rugmaking concept is very simple and it takes about a week to complete a large, circular rug. She gives classes at the Emporium for those interested in learning and purchasing the wheels.

Also at The Antique Emporium was April Kerchak, from Youngstown, displaying her homemade Kolachy, a type of Hungarian nut roll. Her tiny maraschino cherry and chocolate kiss mice brought giggles from guests.

Beth Logan, of Jackson Street Gallery, said the event was quite a success.

“We’ve had a fun crowd. Lots of mothers and daughters,” said Logan. “A lot of out-of-towners and groups of high school buddies have come. It’s been a great boost for downtown during this slow time of the year.”

Tara McColloch, events and promotions coordinator for Historic Downtown Millersburg, agreed that the event was a tremendous success, with an increase in participants from 800 last year to more than 1,200 this year.

“Participants and merchants have given great feedback and were especially pleased with the choice of this year’s Queen for the Night, Stefanie Kauffman. Stefanie was one of the founding members of Girls’ Night Out, helping Mary Miller of The Jewelry Store, who came up with the idea, to organize something fun exclusively for the women of the town.”

Kauffman, a strong supporter and contributor to the growth of downtown Millersburg, suggested Queen for the Night three years ago to recognize “an everyday hero, a fun, energetic person, someone dedicated to family and community.” Mary Miller was crowned the first year for the effort she’d put into the event. Last year’s queen was business owner and volunteer Tina Zickefoose.

Now in its sixth year, McCulloch said Girls’ Night Out has grown not only in attendance but in the number of participants.

“I think all of the shops had a tremendous turnout, even those participating for the first time this year,” said McCulloch. “We’ll definitely look at ways to expand the event and make it an outstanding evening for those who attend as well as the merchants who participate next year.”