In my Easter bonnet

Easter hat parades got their start in New York City in the mid-1800s, when the lower and middle class would watch a spectacle of cosmopolitan socialites drifting down the avenue after Easter church services. The elite wore their Sunday best, including bonnets, top hats of all styles, colors and embellishments, and began a tradition known as the Easter parade. The tradition was immortalized in the movie "Easter Parade" with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, and today, people from all walks of life stroll down fifth Avenue on Easter wearing flamboyant hat creations.

Easter hat parades in our fam originated with Grandma Ethel. For as long as she taught, she instigated and organized an annual Easter Hat Parade for her school. Complete with music, a script and cool prizes it was the Spring Happenin’.

So, in keeping with family tradition we are bringing it back. The deets:

What: Arnett Fam Easter Egg Hunt/ Easter Hat Parade

When: Saturday, April 11, 2009

Where: HB and Penee’s backyard, natch

Time: Lindsay said around 10:30, (but Meg and Kody can’t come until later so can we kick it back a bit to say 11:00? Pretty please.)

Just like last time there will be prizes for all. Categories include: Loveliest, Prettiest, Cutest, Most Cerebral, Best use of theme from TV show, Most Eastery, Most Jane Austeny, blah blah blah, make up your own category if you will.

Bust out some of that Arnett creativity, rellys and come join us all on Saturday for a hoppin’ good time. What? You say you won’t be in town? No problemo, consider participating by posting your hats on your blog. That’s right, a virtual cyber Hat Parade. Good times.

If your kiddies need some ideas to get them going, here’s a few:

http://www.hatsmade.com/paper_hat_patterns.html
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/easter/eastbon.htm

http://www.emommies.net/hats1.htm