Now in its third year, the ‘Girls On The Town’ event has seen great success in promoting downtown Palatine. Last year, more than 700 people attended.

This year, 18 downtown businesses will be offering their wares at special bargain prices during the two-day event. Music, prizes, giveaways, and complimentary food and beverages can be savored by those who participate.

‘Girls on the Town’ will be held Friday April 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday April 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The goal is to promote and inform residents about our downtown businesses; we want to let them know we are here and that we will serve them well,” said Patti Curtis, president of the Downtown Merchants Association and owner of Patti’s Pretties, one of the businesses that is participating.

“Bring a girlfriend, sister, mother or daughter; we’re trying to get the word out while providing a fun event that promotes future clients and customers for all of our downtown merchants,” Curtis said.

Part of the fun includes picking up a ‘passport’ for a dollar. Passports are available at any participating businesses during the event, just look for the colorful wallflowers displayed outside.

Proceeds from passport purchases support Home of the Sparrow, a nonprofit organization that provides support services for homeless women and their children.

By getting a passport stamped at each participating businesses attendees will qualify for raffle prizes and receive other giveaways.

A sampling of the many special offers at the event consists of 25 percent off all purchases at Monson Jewelers (Friday only), $5 martini and wine specials at Emmett’s Ale House, 50 percent off eyebrow waxing and threading at Arete Salon and free scalp treatments and massages at Nelson Group Salon.

Raffle prizes from the Chandelier Boutique include a new spring purse, necklace, earring and bracelet set with a matching scarf (valued at $120), a $50 gift certificate and spring basket from Harrington Manor, a spring surprises gift bag (valued at $100) from Patti’s Pretties and two free music lessons from the Music Room.

For more information, visit www.downtownpalatine.org. Other special bargains and raffles prizes are being offered by all of the participating businesses. Participating businesses include:

Anne’s Unique Boutique, 16 S. Bothwell Street

Arete Salon, 9 N. Bothwell Street

Chandelier Boutique, 17 W. Wilson Street

Cookie Cards and Cupcakes, 10 N. Bothwell Street

Emmett’s Ale House, 110 N. Brockway Street

Foxglove Cottage, 19 N. Brockway Street

Harrington Manor, 16B S. Bothwell Street

Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille, 60 N. Bothwell Street

Mane Street Hairstyling, 117 W. Slade Street

Monson Jewelers, 25 N. Brockway Street

The Music Room, 26 N. Brockway Street

Nelson Group Salon, 39 W. Slade Street

Palatine Bank and Trust, 110 W. Palatine Road

Patti’s Pretties, 117 W. Slade Street

Nancy Summers, Attorney at Law, 117 W. Slade Street Suite 200

Salon MMM, 49 N. Bothwell Street

Shays Closet, 21 W. Railroad Avenue

The Wellness Place, 26 N. Brockway Street