'We love working with the team and staff at The Salem Convention Center. There is no other place in Salem that could make this event go off as perfect as it does without the team there and we are so appreciative.' -Mid-Willamette Valley Women's Show Co-Organizer,Lindsey Odell Mid-Willamette Valley Women's Show Friday, January 30, 2015 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Saturday, January 31, 2015 10:00 am – 5:00 pm For one special weekend in January every year, friends gather here at the Salem Convention Center to celebrate the spirit of women at The Mid-Willamette Valley Women's Show. We always look forward to this event as guests browse a bustling exhibit hall filled with health, fitness, fashion, beauty, food & lifestyle vendors while experiencing delicious food and wine and enjoying the fashion shows with real Salem business women representing a variety of local boutiques. The event also serves our community by bringing awareness to domestic violence issues. Representatives from the Salem Women's Crisis Center and Victims Assistance & Liberty House will be available to answer any questions. Event organizers tell us this year's show will not disappoint. 'We have a wide variety of businesses attending that will offer an array of services,' says Event Co-Organizer, Lindsey Odell. 'We are definitely expecting a larger crowd this year, we've pushed the Women's Show Facebook page a lot and plan on taking our posters throughout Salem's public hangouts to increase our guest numbers.' The Mid-Willamette Valley Women's Show show originally began in 2002 by the Statesman Journal but was taken over in 2009 by Tim and Deely Klarr. Organizers say the couple, who invested their own resources and time reaching out to local businesses, successfully transformed the show into what it is today. 'Deely is our spark plug,' says Odell. 'She is so driven to make each year better. If she has a 15 min gap in her schedule she will use it to make calls or quick trips to town to promote the show.' While Deely Klarr is the driving force, Lindsey Odell and Tim Klarr along with a host of other volunteers work as a team to support her vision. 'If she wants posters, tickets, bags-pretty much anything- it's our job to make it happen. We do the finance part and any follow up calls or emails as well. Also, we love working with the team and staff at The Salem Convention Center. There is no other place in Salem that could make this event go off as perfect as it does without the team there and we are so appreciative,' said Odell. Event organizers begin reaching out to businesses and non-profits 6 months prior to the start of the show. 'Most of our businesses are family businesses and that is what makes them approachable. We also reach out to local non-profits who assist women in domestic violence situations and set aside time for them in the show to spread their message and reach out to the women attending,' says Odell. 'If it helps even just one woman and her life, then everything we worked for the show is worth it'. The Mid-Willamette Valley Women's Show kicks off again this year with a 'Ladies Night Out' on Friday, January 30th from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and the fun continues through Saturday, January 31st from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. There is always something new and fresh at the fashion show that you will not want to miss! Fashion Shows are on Friday at 5:30pm & 7:30pm and Saturday at 11:30am & 3:30pm. Admission is just $5 per person. For more information, visit the event website and follow their Facebook updates!
