The Lake Chelan Valley Seeing Red, Purple & Pink!
The Delicious Red Hatters of Chelan, the local chapter of The Red Hat Society, hosted the Second Annual Getaway in Chelan, sponsored by The Mill Bay Casino and the Chelan Business Association, Friday, April 15th thru Sunday, April 17th, 2005.
For those non-members who asked all weekend, “What the heck is this all about?”
The following Red Hat Society Statement of Purpose, was the easiest response,
“The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next." ~ Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother
The overwhelming successful event brought to the Lake Chelan Valley over 240 Red Hat Society members from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Canada who were ready to laugh, dance, sing, shop, meet new friends and display their favorite red, purple and pink attire! Dominate Red Hatters wearing red and clashing purple are members whom are 50 and up years young and the Pink Hatters wearing pink and clashing purple are members awaiting turning 50!
The event registration was held on Friday evening at the Mill Bay Casino, in Manson. Members were treated to soup and salad at the Coyote Café. Many stayed to try their luck at the casino and participate in the 4- $25.00 cash ticket drawings while the hmm of 50’s and 60’s tunes played in the background. Red Hatters could be found through out the evening at local hot spots dancing and singing the night away and in attendance at the Chelan Valley Players, Nun-Sense performance.
Saturday’s events began with complimentary breakfast at the Coyote Café, followed by the selection of the Best Dressed Red Hat Lady $75.00 cash ticket winner was Queen Mum of the Red Hat Kattz chapter, Gail Roulston, from Penticton, BC Canada and selection of the Best Dressed Pink Lady $25.00 cash ticket winner was announced, at this time the winner’s name is not available. Guests were treated to a fun Hat Decorating Demonstration in the main lobby of the casino given by Delicious Red Hatter of Chelan member Maxine Tackitt.
At 1 p.m. the Red Hatters gathered in downtown Chelan to march in the Red Hatter Sidewalk Parade lead by the Delicious Red Hatters of Chelan. Participants carried signs stating were their chapter was from and played their kazoos while marching the side walks of Chelan! What a site it was!
Following the parade, participants began the Chelan Merchant’s Scavenger Hunt, visiting and hunting for prizes at; Aston’s Gifts Cards Ect., Carol’s Special Additions, Clampitts, Columbia Furniture, Company 107, Blue Moon, Fashion for 12, Kidoodles, Kitchen Station, Lake Shore Variety, Main Street Gallery, Max’s Hair Factory, Raycom/ Radio Shack, Riverwalk Books, Spirals, Shirt Shop Plus, Swim World, The Harvest Tree and Whaley’s General Store. Carol’s Special Additions hosted a Hat Decorating classes through out Saturday afternoon, which was attended by over 50 members.
The high light of Saturday’s events was the Dinner Cruises on the Lady of the Lake on beautiful Lake Chelan at 4 p.m. to 6 pm and at 8 p.m. till 10 p.m. Guests dined on dinner prepared and served by Caper’s Fine Dining of Chelan. The menu was chicken in a mushroom bacon sauce served with wild rice, fresh asparagus and salad greens complete with desert of vanilla custard topped with blue berries. Music was provided by Jar’s Bar & Grill of Chelan with Matt Van Epps serving as DJ. Delicious Red Hatters of Chelan members, Heidi Neal and Queen Mum, Carol Jenkins, hosted the 4-6 p.m. cruise entertainment. Heidi warmed up the group and got the ladies going with Red Hatter songs followed by dancing to fun 50’s & 60’s tunes. The 8-10 p.m. cruise was filled with many members from the local Delicious Red Hatters chapter in attendance that had no fear of kicking off their Pole Dancing Challenge and Kazoo playing skills with fellow Red Hatters! The energy that emerged from both of the cruises and new friendships formed were amazing!
Over fifty Red and Pink Hatters gathered at JR’s Bar & Grill after the cruises to sing and dance with fellow member and Karaoke Host Heidi Neal. The dance floor was over flowing with red, purple and pink feathers flying in the air!
Bright and early Sunday morning the Coyote Café at the Mill Bay Casino served a complimentary Goodbye Brunch to those who could get out of bed following Saturdays’ events! A drawing was held for a $100.00 cash ticket prize and final Grand prize from the Scavenger Hunt. The comments from participants were that they had a ball and will be back for the 3rd annual Red Hatter Getaway next spring.
