Red Hat Society holds Christmas party

~ About 350 members from 29 chapters attended the event at the University Center.

A vibrating blur of red and purple adorned the University Center Ballroom on Saturday when about 350 members from 29 chapters of the Red Hat Society attended their Christmas party.

The red hats and purple dresses are worn by those 50 and over while the lighter hues -- pink and lavender -- are assigned to those who are younger. The scene was primarily Red Hats -- a few pink ones here and there -- but the variety was astounding.

According to the group's Web site, gaudy is good, and evidence of that flashed, fluttered and sparkled. Berets, fedoras and caps decorated with boas, feathers, netting and satin roses sat next to straw, crocheted and fuzzy hats decorated with pom-poms, flashing lights, sequins and sparkles.

The Red Hat Society was officially started eight years ago by a California woman, Sue Ellen Cooper, who sent a red hat and a copy of Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning" to a friend for her birthday. The practice quickly blossomed and grew, spreading internationally. The poem is about preparing for old age by getting accustomed to living with gusto, making up for the sobriety of youth, throwing caution to the wind. Devoted Red Hatters seek the chance to dress up, kick up their heels and be more visible in an era that idealizes youth.

Judy Burford of Jackson said she identifies with the poem. She's been a member of the Red Hat Sparklers of Jackson for two years. "It gives me a chance to relive my childhood," she said

For Jo Payne of Jackson, a pink-hat Sparkler member since July, the chapter gives her an opportunity to meet new people.

"It's nice to be young! My children are not in sports. I'm a friendly person and I wasn't meeting new people. This group is friendly to strangers," she said.

Despite their names, the Cotton Pickin' Chicks chapter of Sikeston sat beside the Women With Attitude chapter of Cape Girardeau and got along just fine.

The party began with a 12-hat parade modeled by chapter members who decorated hats to represent each month of the year. The hats danced across stage in the hands of the models, who then paraded them around the room and down the aisle for all to see.

Because of space limitations, some Red Hatters were turnedaway at registration.

Queen Mother of the Red Hat Sparklers Marlene Crouch had been organizing the party since last January. She identifies with the group because the Red Hat Society gives her an opportunity to dress up again. She believes the society is appealing to those who like to be creative. "I believe the society gives us the license and permission to do just that. For many women who have raised a family, put someone through college, maybe faced illness or taken care of someone who was ill, it gives them permission once a month to go out and have a great time."

Sharon Harris, a three-year member of the Red Hat Rebels of Fruitland, said she couldn't be happier. "I'm at an age where I've raised my children. It's time to have fun and be outrageous."

She considers herself lucky to hook up with a chapter she identifies with. She said, "I e-mailed my particulars since I had no contacts -- saying I had four children, five horses and one husband -- who wants me? The Rebels were the first to reply."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133