Annual women's show provides fun day, helps charity

Committee members of the Sikeston Regional Women's Show listen as Kyla Evans of Sikeston Outlet Stores (far right), who is the show coordinator, speaks about the April 2 event during a recent planning meeting. Pictured are, from left: Emily Deuster of Americare; Carolyn Sandgren of Elite Travel; Karen Teeters of Charleston Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Ezell of SEMO Health Network; Michelle Reynolds of Three Rivers College; and Evans. Not pictured is Devon Secoy of Focus Bank. (Leonna Heuring, Staff

SIKESTON -- For the third year a trade show all about women will bring beauty tips, health checks, fashion, entertainment and fun to Southeast Missouri.

Plans are in place for the annual Sikeston Regional Women's Show set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 at the Miner Convention Center.

"When we put this show together, we really think about the attendees and what they may want to experience in sort of a 'women's day out,'" said Kyla Evans, coordinator of the event and marketing director for the Sikeston Outlet Stores. "The 2016 show will not disappoint -- I assure you."

Over 50 vendors are scheduled to set up booths and showcase products in a variety of areas related to women including: health and beauty, fashion, massage and travel, according to Evans. A craft show is also incorporated into the event with local talent showing off their skills in hand-made items such as jewelry, clothing, home décor, soaps and more, she said.

"I am very pleased with our previous shows," Evans said. "We have seen over 800 in attendance from all areas, including Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and even Western Kentucky, so this is a great opportunity for our community."

New to this year's event are local musical entertainment and breakout sessions which will pull the audience into a more intimate setting so they may learn more about certain subjects like make-up tips, eating healthier in a busy lifestyle along with self-defense and conceal and carry information for women, according to Evans.

So far on the entertainment lineup are the Danetta Mason Band at 11 a.m. and Jason Roberson and the Outlaw Crazy Band at 11:30 a.m. for small acoustical sets. A spring fashion show by Sikeston Outlet Stores begins at 12:30 p.m.

"Ladies will be able to do everything from getting their blood pressure checked to learning about the latest in beauty and fashion trends to buying something hand-made for themselves," Evans said.

Behind Evans, she said, is a group of business-minded women from Mississippi, Scott, New Madrid and Cape counties who have built this show into what looks to be a very exciting event again this year.

Lunch will be offered by Colton's Steak House and Grill.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Dream Factory of Southeast Missouri, a local charity that grants dreams to children with life-altering diseases.

"We wanted to pick a charity that would benefit from our efforts and this charity can help so many kids in our area. We are very honored to help them this year," Evans said.

For the complete story, see the weekend edition of the Standard Democrat.