Waynesburg hosts gown sale, chili cook-off
WAYNESBURG – Prom-age girls will be at Waynesburg University this weekend to sell the glamorous gowns they’ve already worn to big events and spend some time browsing the racks for that perfect “new gown” donated by others.
The first “Fairy Godmother’s Gown, Jewelry and Shoe Sale” will be held at the university’s Stover Hall from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, with hairdressers, photographers, local jewelers and floral shops on hand to take orders and offer door-prize raffles for their products and services to those who stop by their tables.
“We will help the girls with pricing, and they get all the money,” said co-organizer Kristy Vliet of 5Kidz Kandy. “If the dresses don’t sell, they get them back. We’ve had some gowns donated, and we’ll use that money to help with next year’s event.”
Vliet is working closely with Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green floral shop in Washington, and they hope to have a similar event next year in Washington County.
As a mother of two teens, Vliet knows firsthand what parents are looking for when it comes to buying outfits for every special high school occasion: a break on the skyrocketing prices of proms.
“When I was in school, we just had junior and senior proms. Now they start in ninth grade, and when you add in the cost of hair, nails, tan, jewelry, flowers, it costs hundreds of dollars for every one they go to,” Vliet said.
B and B Jewelry, Jennifer’s Cuts and Curls, McMillian Photography, Karlie Hoy with Mary Kaye and a number of other vendors will be there. Hanson Inn is offering discount prices for graduates and their families, and there will be light refreshments, including homemade cupcakes.
Vliet also is dishing up a special chili with cornbread on the side for the second annual Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Her 5Kidz Kandy shop also will give chili-tasting space to Willow Tree Bakery and Your Cookie Rookie.
All together, there will be a dozen different chili recipes to sample, and stores will offer special discounts as well as tasty eats. Artbeat Gallery, Fischers Antiques, The Fashion Shop, Ruff Creek Crafts, Made in America Gift Shoppe, McMillen Photography and Carlisle’s Coffee and Sandwiches will be open for the Chili Cook-Off.
Wristbands can be purchased from participating merchants for $5 per person, or $8 per couple, and maps and directions to each store are available. Participants can vote for their favorite chili, and the winner will get to display the Golden Ladle.
For more information, call Artbeat Gallery at 724-833-9058 or visit the Waynesburg Merchants Guild’s Facebook page.