Local retailers are preparing for the second annual Girls Night Out shopping event and are confident this year will be bigger than last.

     On Thursday, June 28, shoppers participating in Girls Night Out will have access to one-day-only sales and special door prizes.

     Last year, 21 local businesses participated in the evening. This year, 26 businesses have already committed and others may still choose to do so.

     Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the night of the event. The ticket grants shoppers access to all participating stores the night of the event, a boxed meal provided by Broma’s, a T-shirt and a chance to win door prizes.

     Tickets will be available about two weeks before the event and can be purchased at the chamber of commerce and participating retailers.

     “We are creating an event,” said Angie Warren, local chamber of commerce retail committee chair. “We want this to be something fun that people look forward to.”

     Warren estimates approximately 750 people came out to shop last year and she hopes to see 1,000 people come out this year.

     Anticipation is already high, Warren said.

     “I’ve had lots of people call and ask how they can get a ticket,” she said

     Shopping will be available from 4 until 10 p.m. Special highlights include a live band at the Bank of Brookhaven from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. From 4 until 6 p.m. at the Bank of Brookhaven, shoppers can register for door prizes and pick up their boxed dinners.

     Complimentary ice cream will be served from 8 until 10 p.m. at Brookhaven Monument.

     About 50 to 60 door prizes will be also given away that night.

     The shopping hours have been lengthened and reshuffled a little bit, per feedback received last year.

     “People told us they really wanted more time to be able to go into all the stores,” Warren said.