Fun and imagination proved to be the hallmarks of the fifth annual Ladies Night held at the Carlyle Pentecostal Church.
While presented as a non-denominational gathering, it was a far from secular gathering, where the theme for the night revolved around a bible quote.
In Matthew, chapter six, verses 19-to-21 state "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
With a rough translation of 'You can't take it with you,' the Ladies Night themed itself as a moral reminder.
To help illustrate the thought, antiques, donated by various community members, were brought in to grace the front entryway of the church, while Cannington Manor Historic Provincial Park kindly donated 1880-period clothes for the occasion.
"We have a photographer here, so the ladies can get dressed up in pioneer-wear and get a photograph taken," explained Sylvia Thomas, who was one of the organizers of the evening. "We'll get them printed in sepia tones so it will be like getting one of those old-style western photos."
More than 70 ladies purchased tickets to take part in the evening, which included a full catered meal and a presentation by guest speaker Donna Drisner.
"I'll be speaking to the theme of the evening, reminding people to store up those treasures in heaven," Drisner said. "Remind them that the treasures they have here on earth can't last forever, and in the end, you can't take it with you."
First introduced five years ago, the first Ladies Night was an invitation only event.
"The first year, we didn't have the space we do now, so it was really small, only about 20 women," said Jenny Halbgewachs, another of the evening's organizers. "This year, we really threw the doors open, included Facebook postings and everything."
"The night is a night to celebrate the women," Halbgewachs said. "Women like to feel they're special and unique, and this is about giving them something just for them."
"Since our first year, the event has been growing steadily in numbers," Halbgewachs said. "We are really quite happy with the way things have been going."
Besides the dinner, photographs, and presentation, the night was filled with many different games for the women to get involved in.
Prizes, provided by numerous businesses through the area, were available to be won.
"We just want everyone to have a good time," Thomas said. "It is night for ladies to get out, have some fun, and relax."
