YUNET JOMOLCA Some of the Calendar Girls perform a dance for the visitors of the Women’s Beauty Bonanza on Saturday at Rotary Park.

So the economy is in shambles, the job market is a mess and manicures are not getting any cheaper–does that mean women can’t feel good about themselves in Cape Coral?

Not according to Sally Reese, who took that philosophy when coordinating the second annual Women’s Beauty Bonanza, held at Rotary Park on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Bonanza featured an outdoor gala of over 40 different vendors, including massage therapists, jewelry and fashion retailers, acupuncturists and many others. Additionally, there were presentations on various topics such as “Facial Rejuvenation and Injectable Facelift” by Rita Clark of Venus Med Spa and “How to Host a Tupperware Party” by Janie Ingels.

“It occurred to me they don’t really have an event to pamper women,” Reese said, who is also a fitness and yoga instructor who enjoys frequenting local businesses for her own pampering needs. “As long as it appeals to women and their self-improvement, you’re free to be here.”

In 2008, the inaugural event was held indoors at Rotary Park, and was a paid event featuring a luncheon.

YUNET JOMOLCA Heather Humphreys shows off her dog Precious to Dee Gendron during the Women’s Beauty Bonanza at Rotary Park on Sunday.

“I made it free to the public (this year) so everyone can enjoy both the presentations and the shopping,” Reese said. “We’re getting a pretty good turnout, and the nice thing is people are staying for the whole show. I’d like to do it annually.”

Janet Pelech, one of Reese’s yoga students, stopped by the event Sunday to enjoy the feminine festivities.

“It sounded like fun, plus it’s a beautiful day,” Pelech said. “I think this is unique. This was a refreshing thing to have with women’s health and beauty products. At this point in time I think it’s so important to support local businesses.”

Pelech left with a bag full of spices, soups, and brochures of information. She also got a free acupressure session, which entailed using pressure points in the ears to enhance her body’s health, she said.

Body Essential Massage was one of the many vendors at the event. Massage therapists with the business, located at 3801 Del Prado Boulevard, offered free massages.

“(People) are responding very well and we’re going to do this every year, hands-down,” said Cliff Woodhall, who co-owns the local massage facility with Robert Tarrasi. “They like to have their pamper time, even with the economy the way it is. For some people massages are a necessity.”

Besides the pampering and accessorizing, the crowd was entertained by local charitable dance group, the Calendar Girls. The Cape Coral dance group has been dancing since 2005 to bring awareness to the “Paws for Patriots” program, to benefit the Southeastern Guide Dog school’s blind and visually impaired veterans.

The group has raised $20,000 for the program thus far.

The 19 dancing divas seemed in sync not only during their routines, but also philosophically with the Beauty Bonanza.

“It celebrates women,” said Linda Floyd, the group’s vice president. “We feel we are role models for women.”

In the later part of the afternoon, a beauty queen was crowned and received various prizes, including a nail care basket by Envy Salon; a basket by Pawsotively Purrfect Gourmet Treat and Pet Sitting ; various bracelets, necklaces, earrings and tiaras by Bimax Jewelry; and many other treats. Other attendees received various door prizes.