VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Daily Times Sixth Annual Women’s Showcase was hosted Saturday at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. Featuring a sassy new title, Diva Day 2008 was a large event attracting different vendors as well as different divas of all ages and from all walks of life.

The 2008 Career Diva award was awarded to Judy Duncan. The 2008 Fashion Diva award went to Aleta Stephens, a Delta flight attendant of 18 years, recognized by her community and her mother as a true diva. “I was shocked at first because my mom entered me and after I came to (from shock), I was thinking if that meant I would get more money to buy more clothes,“ said Stephens. “In the past, there have been women that I, myself, would bestow the title of Fashion Diva upon and when I think of these women, it’s not only their impeccable sense of fashion that makes them divas but they are well-learned individuals and

respected pillars of their communities. And that is what my mother or the presenters were thinking when they honored me, even though I feel as if I still have a lot more to accomplish, then I know I’m the right path,” said Stephens.

All About Accessories , a first-year vendor participant which started a month ago, was impressed by its clientele at Diva Day 2008. “Business has been great this morning and we have gotten a chance to meet many new people from the Valdosta community and surrounding areas,” said Susan Ford, owner of All About Accessories. All About Accessories sells its merchandise in a unique way through house parties.

Among the vendors were Belk, Curves, Confetti & Lace, Emma’s Fine Food Factory, The Fashion Stop, Loving Fragrances & More, The Spa, and many others.

Stacie Adams, owner and manager of Endless Summer, accompanied by Kortini Hodges, assistant manager, was present at Diva Day 2008 to offer beauty and tan products for the career woman or stay-at-home mom. Endless Summer features Valdosta’s only MagicTan Spray Booth. “Endless Summer would like to thank everyone who came out for the sixth annual women’s showcase,” said Adams, “We had great participation and educated the community on UV and UV-free tanning. We want everyone who didn’t get to experience our products today or whom would like a more extensive experience to come visit us for that perfect tan.”

Care Medical Center provided the “divas” of the day with a free massage and bone density test.

Several door prizes were given away from various vendors. Lana Foster, an Echols County Elementary School teacher, won a plush, chocolate bookbag from The Pink Poodle French Market. “I’ve attended the event several times, but this is the first time that I won one of the door prizes. The event is nice as usual, and I’m enjoying myself.”

Laura White, of Jacksonville, Fla., and her daughter, Tiffany White, were first year participants having heard about the event from family in Georgia and decided to attend. “This is a great way to see what type of different services Valdosta has to offer by going to one spot. It’s a great way to shop.”