How fortunate are those women of “a certain age” who have bonded with others in the Red Hat Society. Started in Southern California in 1998, the idea spread rapidly and now there are chapters in at least 25 countries.
Red Hatter Fun
Since the primary purpose of the group is to enjoy being together, fun is of great importance. Each local chapter decides what will constitute the events for that group. Activities can range from pajama parties to fancy teas, from theatre outings to picnics. Nothing is off-limits if the group wants to do it. Local venues welcome the ladies to events and excursions.
The more often a group gets together, the more connected they become. Some chapters are very large with many sub-groups for eating out, sharing book reading, walking, card playing or performing, for example. Other groups try to stay at a size that will allow everyone to gather in one place and have many home based events.
When taking a field trip, the women clad in purple with red hats always create a stir. Passers-by often take photos, as the sight of such a fun-loving group delights them.
Organizing a Chapter
While the Red Hat Society is very loose in structure, there is a Queen Mother in Sue Ellen Cooper, who, with her friends, founded the group back in 2001. Support staff personnel operate a Hatquarters in Fullerton, California, and have many online contact points.
A Queen also leads each local chapter; along with whatever other titles are needed or wanted by the group. The more input and shared effort Red Hatters provide, the more the group prospers. One technique is for members to each plan one event.
Each local chapter creates a name for itself. Much originality is found in a perusal of these identifications: Chapeau Rouge, Ladies in Red, Scarlet Women, Passionate Purples, KindRed Sisters and so forth. There are annual dues for each member and each chapter, payable to Hatquarters, which in turn, open up opportunities for connecting with other chapters and announcements of regional and national events.
Red Hat Conventions
Throughout the year, there are regional gatherings, which bring together Red Hatters from a geographic area for a day or weekend of activities. These have included an event at Disneyland where the Queen Mother was Grand Marshall in the Main Street parade and hundreds of Red Hatters marched along with her. Other regions gather in places unique to their area.
Annually, a national convention is held where thousands of women come together. In the past, these have taken place in Nashville, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Orlando to name a few. The days are filled with pajama parties, name entertainment, tea parties, and the ambiance of the host area.
Younger Pink Hatters
The over-50 crowd was having so much fun that some younger women wanted to join in. Thus was created the Pink Hatters, who wear lavender with pink hats to acknowledge that they are a paler version of who they will become.
Many of these young women attend conventions and regional gatherings along with their counterparts. When a Pink Hatter reaches that magical age of 50, she may be welcomed with a “Reduation” to her new status as she joins the ranks of the esteemed full-fledged Red Hatters.
Red Hatters welcome all women. Their object is to enjoy life and have friends with whom to engage in common activities. There are organized trips, cruises, and travel opportunities for Red Hatters, which is especially welcome by those whose spouse doesn’t travel or for widows or singles. With the Baby Boomers growing up, the Red Hat Society’s time has come.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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