Anyone who happened to be at the Heritage Inn on Friday night could be excused if they thought they’d somehow been transported back to the days of Al Capone and the days of prohibition.
With all the fancy foo-fooery, stylish outfits and impressive costumes, one would think they’d stepped back into the 1920s.
Which, as it turns out, was entirely the idea, as the Moose Jaw High Steppers chapter of the Red Hat Society kicked off their provincial convention with a special 1920s-themed reception in the Heritage Inn ballroom.
“We’re just getting started, the doors just opened, the ladies have been shopping at our vendor alley, all’s good and we’re looking forward to a great weekend,” said Twyla Wood, Vice-Queen of the Moose Jaw High Steppers, as many of the close to 200 participants began to fill the hall.
“Some people haven’t been out for over two years, so a lot of them are really excited to be able to get together after so much time. It’s going to be a fun weekend for all.”
The Red Hat Society is a social club for women over-50, with the name of the organization coming from their traditional outfits: a red hat and purple clothing that makes the group easily distinguishable whenever they gather.
This weekend’s event features Red Hatters from all over Western Canada, with participants coming from as far as B.C. to be part of the festivities.
“For being at the tail end of COVID and everything like that, we’re pretty happy to see this many people come out,” Wood said. “It shows how much everyone is looking forward to seeing everyone again and making some new friends.”
And they’ll be treated to a weekend filled with fun, beginning with the reception and a concert by renowned local songwriter and performer Ray Rawlyk.
Once official business is out of the way on Saturday morning, things will continue with a performance by the Milkman’s Sons out of Regina, a special belly-dancers event, their always-popular sock exchange and -- as the highlight of the weekend -- the Regalia Ball on Saturday evening, featuring the ladies dressed up in the finest Red Hat attire.
All in all, the plan is for an enjoyable weekend filled with socializing and plenty of new friendships.
“That’s what it’s all about, and we’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while,” Wood said.
