GALENA, Ill. - The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce once again plans a special weekend for "girlfriends" of all ages from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12. This annual Galena Girlfriends' Getaway will feature sales, contests, spa specials, Quartermania and more - just for the ladies - in beautiful, historic Galena in scenic northwest Illinois.

A pre-registration fee of $15 includes a martini glass, soy wickless candle, and a chance to win a fabulous shopping spree. Girlfriends may pre-register for all activities, $70 per person, which includes the martini glass, candle, shopping spree drawing, admission to the scavenger hunt, belly dancing class, yoga class, Quartermania auction, slipper party, and Sunday brunch. Participants may also register for as few or as many activities as they choose.

The Galena Girlfriends' Weekend gets underway with the scavenger hunt from 4-7 p.m. It will be a challenging test to see just how well you know Galena. Each participant will receive a clue bag that includes hints, tips & tidbits that will aid in completing all of the questions.

The ever-popular Quartermania auction will happen once again, this time Saturday night at DeSoto House Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Ladies can buy a roll of quarters, bid on a variety of interesting items, and see who gets the fun and great bargains. A Saturday night "Slipper Party" at the Wal-Mart Supercenter beginning at 9:30 p.m. will feature games, refreshments, coupons and a gift card.

Saturday's events will also include the second half of the scavenger contest from 12-4 p.m., a belly dancing class at A Wild Clover on Main beginning at 3 p.m. (limit 25 people); and a yoga class beginning at 4:30 p.m. (limit 25 people).

Sunday's finale at the DeSoto is a brunch with your "girlfriends" as the weekend will wrap up by announcing the winners of the scavenger hunt, shopping spree and gift baskets.

Throughout the entire weekend, there are more than 55 businesses throughout Galena and Jo Daviess County that are offering specials, drawings, and events to participants of the Galena Girlfriends' Getaway.

For more event info, including venues and fees, call the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-777-9050 or visit galenachamber.com. Pre-registration is also available online at galenachamber.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 877-Go Galena or at www.galena.org. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.