by Erica Tomaszewski
edited by Phil Enright
The Clark Memorial YMCA held their 4th annual International Women’s Day Fair at the Hidden Hills Banquet Facility in Rindge on Sunday to celebrate strong women in the community.
The Clark Memorial YMCA is in Winchendon, Massachusetts, and offers many programs for women’s health at their location. The staff chose Rindge to host their event because they felt there were a lot of successful businesswomen in the surrounding areas that should have a chance to showcase their achievements.
This free event was held to celebrate International Women’s Day, which is an international holiday, held in many countries on March 8th. The holiday was commemorated by the UN to acknowledge ordinary and extraordinary women who have shaped history, and are still making advances today.
photo: Flickr.com
The fair had a diverse group of organizations set up at the event. Tables included jewelry, scrapbooking, massages, realty, books, food, and fitness. Women businessmen stood by their respective tables hoping to reach a similar crowd of women. They were eager to answer questions about their businesses and excited to share their knowledge.
Veronika Patty, Fitness Director at Clark and coordinator of the event, said she tried to offer something for everyone that walked through the door.
“When we began planning we tried to bring in something for women of all ages. We have kids at the Stampin’ Up table, and adults getting massages and planning spa parties,” said Patty.
The holiday brought a lot of participants to the event. As they walked through the door, women were greeted with information about the rise of female advances over the course of history, and what local women are doing in the surrounding communities.
Attendees and volunteers alike were excited to celebrate women for the day. Volunteer Lori Gebo said she looks forward to the holiday every year because it is the one day women are in the spotlight.
“I like to attend this event because it promotes women’s health and happiness. There are so many strong women who attend this event, and I think it is appropriate that we celebrate women once a year,” said Gebo.