Red Hatters galore!

If Paul Revere appeared in Spokane for a midnight ride tonight, he’d probably proclaim: “The Red Hats are coming! The Red Hats are coming!”

Next week downtown Spokane will be awash in red – and purple – and pink and lavender too. That’s because the Northwest Red Hat Convergence will be convening at the Doubletree Hotel on Sept. 19-21.

Queen Mum Anne Hunt of the Chewelah-based Red Hat Habeneros (misspelling intentional) said approximately a dozen local Red Hat chapters have been working together for two and a half years to organize the event.

And what an event. Shopping, wine tasting, gift bags and lots of entertainment are just part of the festivities. Hunt said, “There will be 22 vendors selling red hat items.” Those items include everything from teacups to jewelry, and of course hats. If that’s not enough browsing, Hunt said “On Saturday morning Nordstrom’s and several stores in River Park Square are opening their doors early for shopping.”

Red Hatters like to dress up and Saturday night’s theme, “Flapper Ladies,” gives them the perfect opportunity to get glamorous. Queen Ardith Dunlap, owner of Queen Mum’s Treasures on Garland, said her shop has been bustling with ladies buying glittery accessories for the Flapper contest. Prizes will be awarded for the three best outfits.

The awards aren’t limited to Red Hatters. “There is also a prize for the bartender that comes up with the favorite new drink,” said Hunt. Convergence attendees will cast votes and choose the best liquid concoction. Bartenders at several downtown establishments will showcase their mixing skills.

What’s a party without entertainment? Celebrated local groups like the Tap Grandmas, Hillyard Belles and Lake City Tappers are scheduled to sing and dance for their red-hatted audience. A pajama breakfast complete with a serenade by the Pages of Harmony Barbershop Quartet will conclude the three-day gathering.

The popularity of Red Hat groups has exploded since the first one was established 10 years ago by Sue Ellen Cooper in Fullerton, Calif. On the organization’s Web site Cooper said, “The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and élan. 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.”

Evidently, many Northwest women are prepared to go for the gusto. With almost 600 people registered the event has sold out.

The attraction is simple. Hunt said, “We have a lot of good laughs.”