Garden Party Attracts 660 Red Hattersby Sandi Fahy
Photo by SANDI FAHY LARGO - The City of Largo's Red Hat Garden Party 2009 at Ulmer Park attracted 660 members of Red Hat Society chapters throughout the county. Because of the overwhelming response to this year's event, the party was held on two days, March 10 and March 11. There were 320 attendees on Tuesday, 340 on Wednesday. Rosanna Wright, queen mother of the Classy Lassies chapter in Clearwater, enjoyed the camaraderie and interaction with other groups. "Everyone was so friendly," she advised following Wednesday's get-together. Some chapters are already planning social events with members of other chapters, she said. Other Classy Lassies in attendance were Arlene Jekel, Margie Kistler, Liz Naja, Ann Nicodemus, Betty Skelly and Jean Weaver. Among the many Red Hat groups taking part that day were the Blessed Red Hats of Largo, Classic Ladies of Town & Country, Fabulous Floozies, Gracie's Girls, Rockin' Red Hats from Indian Rocks, Happy Hatters, Happy Hatters of Embassy, Red Hat Lakers of Lake Seminole Square, Largo Mad Hatters, Out & About Red Hatters, Class Act, Les Chapeaux Rouges, Red Hat Chili Peppers, Lovely Ladies of Lee's, Merlot Chapeaux, Largo Centerfolds, Devilish Divas, Palm Hill Red Hatters, Racy Red Hats, Raspberry Rascals, Ranchero Raspberries, Red Hat Bears, Red Hat Go-Getters, Red Hats 'R' Us, Red Hot Busch Babes, Silk Lake Swans and Strawberry Tarts. Red Hat Garden Party 2009 was coordinated by the City of Largo special events team of Charla Lucas, Randi Kosiewska-Short and Tanya Fazekas. Musical entertainment was provided by the band Caliente and lunch was catered by the Cottage Cafe. The restaurant's signature salad (crisp mixed greens with fresh fruit, almonds and raspberry dressing) was served along with a croissant sandwich stuffed with deli meats. Dessert consisted of cupcakes decorated in red and purple, Red Hat Society colors. Donors of door prizes included the Thirsty Marlin Restaurant, Beall's of Largo, Eight O'Clock Theater, Dawn Smalowitz, Joto's Pizza, Kohort Media Arts, A Memorable Day, Largo Aquatics, Largo Feed Store, Largo Cultural Center and Palm Gardens of Pinellas.
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