Polson merchants are inviting all to come downtown this Friday, Oct. 11 for “Ladies Night Out.”

“Grab your girls and come downtown…for shopping, dining, drinks and deals,” organizers are announcing on the web.

From 5 to 8 p.m., every participating merchant is offering discounts, and there will be appetizers, artist demonstrations, and fun to be had.

“This is a great chance to come back together after a busy summer, visit with friends while we see what new stores have opened downtown, and revisit old favorites,” says Carol Lynn Lapotka of

HandMADE Montana, one of the organizers. “It can remind us all we have a thriving community right here, without having to drive elsewhere to shop.”

This event is intended to be the first of many, celebrating and encouraging people to “shop local,” which helps keep a local economy thriving.

“It benefits the businesses, but also, having active businesses in the downtown benefits the whole community,” Lapotka says. “We have a lovely downtown, but as we get busy, we might forget to

enjoy it – restaurants, galleries, clothing new and used, gifts, flowers. Bring your friends and come enjoy your community.”