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MARQUETTE -- While the hunters are away, it's time for their wives to play.

"It's just fun to come downtown when there's a lot of people, and it's great energy," said Shawna Bussone of Marquette.

On Thursday night, Marquette businesses, from downtown to the village, took part in 'Ladies Night,' where women got special treatment, from discounts to free samples.

"Women don't always take time to pamper themselves," said Kathy Greer, Manager of Wattsson and Wattsson Jewelers.  "Women need to realize that you're worth a night out, to go out to, and have fun and have a good time, and that's what this is all about."

But Ladies Night wouldn't be possible without one special man, Ron Wattsson, founder of Wattsson and Wattsson jewelers, who sadly died last April.  He coined the idea with manager, Kathy Greer, 14 years ago.

"Our first ladies night event, Ron had asked me to get a party together, so we did," said Greer.

And the community jumped on board, too.  On Thursday, Ron's children, Ruby and Chris, continued Ron's tradition.

There were many prizes raffled off on Ladies Night.  Wattsson and Wattsson raffled off a beautiful peacock pearl strand.

Jennifer Baldwin debuted her new eatery, Superior Sweets and Salads, by raffling off a cookie tree and offering samples of her homemade cupcakes.

"I was a great way to get our name out there," said Baldwin.  "It was a great way to show downtown what we have to offer."

And as long as there is hunting season in the U.P., there will be ladies night in Marquette, a promising tradition.