Photo: Pyper Ross and several other volunteers have been busy cleaning Bell’s Opera House this week in preparation for public tours that will be conducted Friday as part of the Hillsboro Uptown Business Association’s “Ladies Night Out” event.

This Friday’s Hillsboro Uptown Business Association “First Friday” event is themed “Ladies Night Out,” and activities will include special vendor booths, special events at host locations, a cruise-in, and an opportunity to tour the historic Bell’s Opera House.

HUBA president Joe Mahan said there will be 12 vendor booths in the uptown Community Room located at 110 S. High Street, and Ancient Valley Coffee will have its “pop-up” shop open.

Host locations also include Rome Jewelers, Appearances Salon, Olde Cellar, Slow & Low BBQ, Bon Appetit Gourmet Shoppe & Gifts, Cundiff’s Flowers & Gifts, and Twenty-Four Exchange Deli and Boutique. Pink and purple balloons will mark host locations.

When ticket holders make purchases in $10 increments at the host locations they will receive raffle entry tickets for the HUBA prize of the night, a KitchenAide mixer valued at $250.

From 5-7:30 p.m., Bell’s Opera House will be open for tours, and volunteers have been busy cleaning the facility in preparation for Friday’s open house. Horse and carriage rides around the uptown area will be available, with pickup and dropoff in front of the opera house.

From 5-8 p.m., a car, truck and bike cruise-in will be held around the Highland County Courthouse grounds.

Ladies Night Out committee members are Jamie Knedler, Nickie Vance, Jo Sanborn and Lindsey Puckett.