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Red Hat 'funvention' floods the town with mirth and merriment
A total of 157 Red Hat Ladies attended the state Funvention in Mountain Home this weekend, the "mature" women (50+) representing 50 different chapters throughout the Pacific Northwest.
It was a weekend of fun, laughter and general merrymaking as the group, which describes itself as a "disorganization," with only "suggestions," not rules, celebrated the energy for life that "experienced" women have.
The ladies began arriving for registration Friday night at the Hampton Inn, "fully engulfed in bling (lots of shiny, gaudy, large assorted jewels) draped in all the appropriate ways and places" said Jane Hodge, who helped organize the event. The also all wore the traditional red hats and purple clothing that marks the group.
Many headed to the local watering holes where, according to some anecdotal reports, Hodge said, "we drove the youngsters out because they couldn't handle the partying."
Hodge, who served as emcee for the opening ceremonies at the American Legion Hall early Saturday morning, noted that "we have a few holes (at the tables). The bars did close last night didn't they?"
Hodge's welcoming remarks to the ladies that filled the gaily decorated Legion Hall would have done Henny Youngman proud, filled with quick quips and comments.
She teased the volunteer drivers from the airbase who escorted the women around town in their vehicles during the convention, with almost lewd comments about the opportunities the women might make available to them. "Treat them gently, girls," she said, "remember, they're young. Young. Young."
She thanked them all for their willingness to "drive Miss Daisys" to the various activities scattered throughout the county over the weekend.
The convention was held on the 11th anniversary of the founding of the organization, which has rapidly grown throughout the county. The original group in Elmore County was formed by Esther Fisher and Laurice Bentz, and has since grown to three chapters in Elmore County and one in Grand View. This convention was organized by the local Royal Order of Purple Gems chapter in Mountain Home, with help from the Little Red Hens chapter in Grand View.
Two years ago, at the state convention "we bid for the right to host this funvention," Hodge said, "but we were really hoping a larger city would outbid us. A lot of sweat and cold beer went into this."
Mayor Tom Rist, one of the three speakers at the opening ceremonies, said the city was "tickled purple to have you here.
"You call yourself a disorganization, so you have a great deal in common with our Idaho Legislature," the mayor said.
"All of you are filled with energy and we can use the good-heartedness that you bring to the community.
"You bring a committment to the force of nature that is friendship, and a belief that life can't be taken too seriously."
366th Wing Commander Col. John Bird II admitted to the women that "I had no idea what I was getting into" when he accepted the invitation to attend. He gave a quick update on the base and its mission, and praised his troops who "are engaged with the absolute enemies of our nation, the absolute enemies of what we stand for. Can you image a Taliban woman being able to wear a red hat?"
But the clear star among the speakers was former Mayor Joe B. McNeal, who received a standing ovation from the group when he arrived wearing a bright red suit and hat. As mayor, McNeal had often attended Red Hat Society gatherings and was known as a supporter of the group.
"You ladies sure look beautiful," he told them, and when the crowd erupted in whistles and cheers and lewd suggestions, he added, "I'm not young, but I am experienced." That brought down the house.
After breaking from the opening ceremonies, the Red Hat ladies spent time at the Senior Center playing bunco, scrapbooking, making cards and watching romantic movies. Some went to a tour and lunch at Carmela Vineyards in Glenns Ferry.
But they all gathered again that night at the Legion Hall for dinner, awards, dancing and fun.
"Once the band began to play the place went wild," Hodge said. "Ladies were dancing, singing and just have the greatest time. There were no rules, laws or bounds in which anyone had to pay attention to, what a night.
"Ladies of all ages were dancing with all the military escorts that were in attendance. Although most of the young men were not used to dancing to the 'oldies' they managed to keep up with the Red Hatters," Hodge said.
Raffle prizes were given out as well as the silent auction items. Tradition dictated that all proceeds from the silent auction are passed on to the next chapter for seed money to start their Funvention. The Royal Order of Purple Gems and the Little Red Hens handed a check for $2,500 to the Sandpoint ladies to begin the 2010 Funvention.
Sunday began with a pajama breakfast at the Legion Hall that featured "the most outrageous, zaniest variety of sleepwear ever to be seen anywhere," Hodge said. "There are no words to adequately describe some of the nightwear that was worn. Wild, extravagant, skimpy, revealing, and enticing are some descriptions that could be used on one just one outfit. The Red Hat Ladies really enjoy these pajama parties."
Hodge, who thanked the Legion Auxiliary members for providing he meals and the community for opening its door to the women, noted that "all in all, this was a beautiful Red and Purple weekend."
More photos available in the Mountain Home News Photo Gallery