Red Hat Convention Will Be June 1

More than 150 women are expected to take part in a Red Hat Society Convention in St. Ignace this weekend, beginning Friday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at Little Bear East Arena. The two-day event will include a sunset Straits cruise, baking contest, Country Stars Autograph Contest in downtown St. Ignace, and a contest to design a birthday card for the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge.

"We have 30 people registered from the local Jewels of the Straits Red Hat Society, which is our cosponsor, and the rest of the registrants are coming from all over the Midwest," said Lynne Piippo, director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau. The local group hosts the convention to showcase the hospitality of the St. Ignace area to visiting Red Hat Societies.

"Country Fun" will be the theme of the third annual convention, which begins with a How-Dee-Doo welcome session, followed by a Chuckwagon Dinner and Cowgirls Hoe Down at Kewadin Casino.

Prize money totaling $500 will be divided among top entries in two weekend contests, a Mackinac Bridge 50th Birthday Card Contest and a Pie and Cobbler Baking Contest. Winning card designs will be displayed at the sunset cruise under the Mackinac Bridge Saturday evening.

Registered shoppers at downtown businesses may also qualify for prize money of $125, $75, or $25 during the Country Stars Autograph Contest. Participants will receive contest materials at registration.

Boarding will begin at 7:45 p.m. Saturday for a Straits of Mackinac cruise aboard Arnold Line Ferry. The Bait Shop Boys will provide entertainment, and food and beverages will be served, along with a cash bar.

Participants at the convention will receive discounts and gifts from local attractions and stores. Participants may be members of any Red Hat Society, or may join the society at the convention. Registration and information is available by calling the Visitors Bureau at 643-6950.