Downtown District Merchants in O’Fallon liven up February with fun events
The Downtown District Merchants in O’Fallon are making sure area residents don’t have to be stuck in winter doldrums, as they are planning activities for two special days — Galentine’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 13, and Leap Day on Saturday, Feb. 29 — a once every four years event.
“We want to see these things take off,” said Jon Greenstreet, owner of Bike Surgeon and one of the Downtown District organizers. “We want to see people walking around downtown. We see the value in collaborating together. It’s great for building relationships.”
Whitney Leidner, owner of The Refinery Salon and one of the Downtown District organizers, has rallied merchants to offer specials and activities for the day before Valentine’s Day, which is now dubbed “Galentine’s Day,” as a way to celebrate female friendships.
“It became popular from ‘Parks and Recreation,’” Leidner explained. “It’s what Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) says it’s all about — girlfriends.”
“Galentine’s Day” was a Season 2 episode in 2010 and has since taken off. Like Friendsgiving and Festivus, it’s a holiday based on a sitcom that has become a popular real-life event. Always held the day before Valentine’s Day, at first, it was gathering the BFFs for brunch.
“Every Feb. 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas,” Leslie Knope, aka Amy Poehler said.
People can start off at Unity Yoga first, as they will have a stretch class at 9 a.m., suitable for all levels. It’s their regular alignment class. Sweet Katie Bee’s Organic Bakery Café is hoping gal pals will socialize and enjoy breakfast.
Leidner said people can order Fleur de Sel or Lavendar Lattes and sample such macaron flavors as chocolate truffle and Earl Grey Lemon. Macarons, a French meringue-based cookie, are now available daily and come in a variety of flavors. They can be purchased individually or gift-wrapped in a box.
Afterwards, stop by Refinery Salon. Leidner is offering a makeup makeover special with a make-up artist on hand.
Kool Beanz Café will have some special items on their menu — heart-shaped pancakes, a power bowl and strawberry-chocolate lattes.
“Who said you couldn’t have breakfast for lunch? Or you can have a chicken pesto mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich or a roasted veggie grilled sandwich with goat cheese,” Leidner said.
Dog kissing booth, cruise getaway
Furchild Boutique will have a dog kissing booth. To peruse unique items, stop in Steven Mueller’s or Luckenbooth, she suggested.
If looking to book a getaway, Virgin Voyages is offering an adults-only cruise and has a Galentine’s Day special discount, so stop in at Destinations by Ellen to find out about it.
Skin Serenity Studio will have hot buttered rum hand treatments and refresh and go facials at special prices, plus free goodie bags to the first 30 people who come in for services.
Fezziwig’s Market has a Wine Pairing Class scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. that requires advance reservations.
“We will explore four delicious wines along with six different chocolate treats! Learn how they pair, why they pair, and what you like best,” said owner Ellen Leaf-Moore.
Courage and Grace will have an Open Paint Workshop at 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., Unity Yoga will also sponsor Doula Speed Dating, with three area doulas available to talk to about birthing methods. Participants will have an opportunity for a brief consultation with multiple doulas; must RSVP.
Leidner said people don’t have to stop early, for the local restaurants and bars will be open.
Leap Day Feb. 29
The Vine Street Market at the O’Fallon Station is hosting a Leap Day Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29.
O’Fallon horticulturist Sarah Burton, market coordinator, said many favorite vendors will be on hand before the market opens officially in May. She estimated 23 booths will be available.
“We are limited to a smaller group because we will only be indoors,” Burton said.
The merchants are hosting a “rare finds” treasure hunt through the downtown where people can win prizes and have fun, Leidner said.
“You’ll need to solve some riddles along the way,” she said.
People who find all the treasures will be entered for a chance to win a Downtown District basket, which will feature gift cards and prizes from local businesses.
Individuals can register for the treasure hunt from 1-2 p.m. at the O’Fallon Station.
That evening, the O’Fallon Historical Society will host a trivia night at the O’Fallon VFW. Doors open at 6 p.m. and Trivia starts at 7 p.m. Registration is required in advance.
“There is lots of fun to be had in the O’Fallon Downtown District on this day,” Leidner said.
Additionally, the Downtown District Merchants plan to have special events around Easter, Summer Solstice and Founder’s Day.
For more information, visit www.ofallondowntowndistrict.com or the Facebook page.
This story was originally published February 3, 2020 at 12:26 PM.