PENHOLD -- It was a day to celebrate women.
The Town of Penhold hosted a most special event to mark International Women’s Day (March 8) at the Memorial Hall on March 30.
Participants enjoyed a variety of activities. There was also guest speakers and networking opportunities. Included in the daylong event was mixology and craft beer tasting sessions, TED Talks, motivational videos, an exercise program called Pound Fit, and a bird's nest jewelry making session.
Chantel Decker of Blackfalds was at the event for the first time.
"It's been a fun day. There's lots of activities, lots of speakers and networking," said Decker, adding it was also a great way to learn about different things.
"Self-care was the focus of today. You can't take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself," she added.
International Women's Day is celebrated around the world every year on March 8.
Jamie Seiyama, the town's family resource coordinator and Jennifer Blaylock, FCSS coordinator for Penhold, helped organize and facilitate the day's events.
"We find it's just a way to connect women in our community and other communities," said Seiyama. "To help them gain skills, whether it's learning about self-care, to inspire, motivate and just to have fun and (make) social connections.”
The third annual event welcomed returnees and newcomers from across the region, including those from Penhold, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Rimbey and Blackfalds.
"I think it just gives them that sense of happiness and belonging. (Many women) look forward to it every year," said Blaylock. "They have a day to themselves and with their friends, and definitely that self-care (component) is very important,” she added. “I think we reached that with this event too."
Blaylock said all participants seemed to enjoy the variety of activities and speakers for the women's day event and noted the positive feedback they were hearing.
"The ladies that took part in the Pound Fit seemed to really enjoy it," said Blaylock. "We're hearing a lot of laughter at some of the sessions and we're hoping that (feedback) is very positive."
