Red Hatters have a pajama party

Life after 50 is grand. At least that’s what members of the Red Hat Society are saying.

Members of the Red Hat Society have reached the age where it is permissible to occasionally throw caution to the wind, live on the wild side, laugh often, be silly, and did I mention, have a grand time.

Members must be 50 years or older to join with full status so most of them have retired or getting ready to retire.

The international organization, started by a group of friends in California, is more than a million strong and growing rapidly as the nations’ over 50 population grows.

Out of the frivolity of this organization that has very few rules except members must wear red hats and purple attire when out together, comes a real bond among women over 50.

Women younger than 50 are allowed to join but have to wear pink.

Members of the Hartsville Recreation Department Red Hat Society took advantage of not having to get up and go to work, to leave on their pjs for a jaunt to Lawton Park for an old-fashioned pajama party this week.

The ladies watched a movie, “The Devil Wore Prada,” ate popcorn and other snacks and shared a morning of laughs.

Ms. Edith volunteered to bring dessert.

They ladies decorated their luncheon bags along with their outlandish pajama outfits and hats which made more fun and laughing.
Crystal Gibson, their leader from the recreation department, said the group has been meeting once a month for about four years.
“They have a good time, get dressed up and enjoy the fun,” Gibson said.

The group plays games, goes out to eat, fellowships together and is planning a Christmas party.

Life is truly grand when you are having fun.

Janet Hunter said the best part of being a Red Hatter is the social part with ladies, many being a lot older than she.

“I am 60 and the ‘baby’ of the group except for Crystal, our wonderful program director from Hartsville Recreation, and another member, Kay. I so enjoy the companionship, fun, teasing with all of the ladies. They are a great group and many need this group in their lives. Many of them are widows and absolutely look forward to this time of getting together with other seniors to have fun and keep young! We not only group up with the "Rec" Red Hat monthly outings but go on many trips, play cards, movies, lunches and just fun things with Hartsville Recreation Department,” Hunter said.

Hunter said it doesn’t cost a lot to be a Red Hatter.

“Even on our trips, we pay maybe $2, and longer trips to Myrtle Beach, we pay $5. Lunch is on us. You cannot get much cheaper travel than that,” Hunter said. “We recently went to a dinner theater in Fort Mill. We had two rec vans full plus a car and a personal van. It was the first time for many of us and all would like to return for another dinner theater show. It was a wonderful time. Anyone in the senior age is missing so much by not looking into joining in with senior activities. We definitely are not boring and stay put at home. No sense letting ‘grass grow under our feet,’” said the Red Hatter.

For additional information or to join the group, contact Crystal at the Hartsville Recreation Department at 383-3020.