Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Using their inflatable microphones, which were provided to attendees, a disc jockey encourages guests on the dance floor to join in on the chorus of Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” during the Sing-Along Brunch on Saturday at Sunrise Inn. The inaugural women-only event was cohosted by The Small District, which opened in October at 523 E. Market St. in Warren. It features 17 women owned businesses in one location.

WARREN — Offering a nod to Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 worldwide hit single and subsequent feminist anthem, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” the women who attended the debut of the Sing-Along Brunch celebrated a break from their busy lives and let loose for a few hours Saturday at Sunrise Inn.

“I’ve seen them on Facebook, and they always look so fun. So, I couldn’t wait for one to come to Trumbull County,” said Sarah Kennedy of Bristolville, who was among those on the packed dancefloor and took part in the Sing-Along Battle.

Hosted by The Small District and the restaurant, the sold-out affair featured 100 women revelers enjoying a breakfast buffet from Sunrise Inn along with a number of adult beverages, including mimosas and a variety of hard seltzers.

A disc jockey played a nonstop, beat-heavy set that gave the impression that it was midway through a high-energy wedding reception. It included hits by Lauper, Pink, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Usher, Natasha Bedingfield, Neil Diamond, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Vanilla Ice and more.

During Ludacris’ “What’s Your Fantasy” the partygoers immediately broke into a line dance. Set to tunes by Shaggy and Spice Girls, the Sing-Along (lip-sync) Battle caused a brief break from the dancing. Later, an unscheduled empty can-stacking competition took place between two tables.

While this type of “safe space” event has become popular nationwide, Small District founder Angel Williams explained the origins of the local edition.

“I first saw a sing-along brunch on TikTok from a restaurant down in southern Ohio and thought, ‘Why not bring it to Warren?’ I’m always looking to have a good time in Warren, and I know how to throw a party. I’ve thrown events at The Small District and they’ve been a huge success. So, I thought, ‘Why not give this a try?'”

Asked why brunch instead of having the sing-along later in the day, Williams replied, “I want to be in bed by 8. I am a mom and a business owner, and I’m tired. I figured I would rather day drink than drink late at night so I could be home in time for dinner.”

Williams described The Small District, which opened in October at 523 E. Market St. in Warren, as “a small business mall per se. We have 17 women owned businesses in one location, building each other up, encouraging each other.

Her outlet, Stanley Grace Boutique, which is located there, does hair styling as well as eyelashes plus there are kiosks that carry everything from gift baskets to jewelry.

“We say, ‘It’s the ultimate girls day.'”

Like many of the attendees, Kennedy found out about the singalong through Facebook and The Small District.

“I feel excitement and empowerment for women. I feel like everyone’s having a great time. We’re not judging each other. We’re not shooting dog eyes to each other. We’re just having a fun time altogether with a bunch of chicks. It’s great,” said Kennedy, who attended with three friends.

She added, “It’s important to bring positive publicity to the city. I really hope that this is a good change for Warren and that things like this can bring good business, good people and good energy to the city.”

Sunrise Inn manager Bobby Miller said, “Angel is across the street from us and partnered with us. We’re glad to help them get off the ground.”

“Kudos to Angel for setting it all up and to everybody that showed up,” said Thomas Adair, Sunrise Inn general manager. “It was a packed house, and it went really well. So, we will do this as long as everybody wants to keep showing up.”

Since the first sing-along reached capacity weeks in advance, Williams recognizes that there’s an interest in the area.

“I will definitely be having more, probably one in June, one in August. Do one every few months just to give the ladies of Warren something to look forward to.”