Creating Community: Celebrating Love &Friendship

What started on the television show Parks and Recreation in 2010, Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday observed on Feb. 13 (or 15th) to globally celebrate platonic friendships of all genders, especially women.

“We think about what we can do for the community,” said Mary Gottsche of Gottcha Coffee & Cafe at 623 West National Avenue, Brazil. “What could we do for the mothers and women of the community?”

Galentine’s Day was the perfect “holiday” to participate in and invite the public to a two-day fun-filled event that celebrates friendship and love.

“We need more of that in our lives now than ever,” said Mary.

On Friday, Feb. 9, from 5-7 p.m., Galentine’s Girls’ Night Out is all about celebrating with special drinks and baked goods.

“This started to be one day, but it just kept growing. This is our first two-day event,”said Emilie Gottsche-Musgrave.

There will be local vendors on both days, including:

Reese+Kayte

Bri’s Tees & More

Pure Belle Boutique

Barnside Darlings Boutique

The Fig Leaf and Co.

La Pomme Handcrafted, LLC

Lori for LimeLife by Alcone

Just Peachy Cookie Co.

Ever Haute Co. - Permanent Jewelry

“It’s all about the ladies on Friday night,” Mary said about the first night designed so women can have some time to have fun, enjoy some specialty drinks and homemade baked goods, and mingle. “It has been our desire since our small business began to have a place that brings people together in our community.”

“We also want to support our hometown vendors,” said Emilie. “We have done many smaller pop-up events, but this one will be our biggest yet.”

On Saturday, the vendors will return, and there will be unique treats for the public.

On Tuesday, February 13th, celebrating love continues with a Learn the Basics of Cookie decorating class by Just Peachy Cookie Co. at Gottcha Coffee & Cafe. The event is sold out for a second year.

Participants will receive instruction on how to decorate 6 cookies, receive an icing and sugar cookie recipe, an extra unique gift, and a specialty drink from Gottcha Coffee & Cafe.

“We will have various specialty drinks and baked goods the week before,” said Emilie. “We’re just trying to branch out into the community in a positive way.”