The Hat Ladies of Charleston South Carolina

The Hat Ladies of Charleston South Carolina are a stylish brigade of volunteers who are making a difference in their community and in their own lives. Founded in 2001 by Top Hat, Archie Burkel, a simple love of hats has become a powerful symbol of bringing people together in a spirit of camaraderie and community. The Hat Ladies believe that 'When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good'. The Hat Ladies is for you if you love hats of all colors, enjoy making a difference in the community, and want to feel connected to Charleston. For those women who want to wear hats of all colors and do not always have the confidence or occasion to wear them on your own, The Hat Ladies is for you. The Hat Ladies offer women the perfect opportunity to meet Ladies native to Charleston and Ladies who got to Charleston as quickly as they could. With a blend of fashion and compassion, The Hat Ladies are making a very positive impact on the Charleston community.

The Hat Ladies have a strong, positive perspective that permeates their relationships with one another and their reputation. As one hatsister wrote, "Joining The Hat Ladies has been one of the best things that has happened to me. I deeply value our time together and the chance to do goo things". Another said, "I cannot tell you how much I appreciate The Hat Ladies. It's been a monumental lifesaver for me during this first year of relocation & transition from New York to Charleston. Thank you for creating this wonder Hat Ladies Team. How lucky we all are".

The Hat Ladies monthly calendar, know as Hatpenings, includes a Luncheon and a Hatpy Hour. Two volunteer activities are also givens. The first is a hat decorating with the children at the Medical University of South Carolina. The second is a visit to an assisted living facility, where hats and songs are shared with the residents. The rest of the month is spent volunteering for cultural, social, and educational causes. Ladies choose those activities that fit their interest and availability. Of course, their Signature Event is The Hat Ladies Easter Promenade, the Saturday of Easter Weekend. This elegant stroll reflects the charm and grace that is Charleston and resurrects a tradition from the days of yore. Tourists and locals line historic Meeting Street to wave at them, photograph them, and receive 'HaTpy Easter' greetings in return.

The Hat Ladies have taken their love of hats to international levels. Every January they travel to The Romanian Embassy in New York to host The Hats of The World Luncheon for the female ambassadors and officials of The United Nations. With a hat on their head and a smile on their face, the world becomes a better place thanks to the enthusiasm they pull out of a hat.

Wait no longer to toss your hat in their ring! Check out their website www.hatladies.org, and then contact Archie! You will be haTpy you did!

Danielle Snyder
Charleston SC Events

Charleston South Carolina April 2012 Events

Charleston, South Carolina is looking forward to a month full of exciting events and unique activities. Whether you are looking for Easter festivities, outdoor recreation, festivals, or theatrical performances, there is an event for you this April 2012 in Charleston, SC. Take a glance at the upcoming events listed below and start making plans today with family and friends! Visiting Charleston from out of town? Take advantage of these special hotel deals so that you can experience all that Charleston, SC has to offer!

Featured Event
Get your tickets today for an evening full of dance entertainment that will support a wonderful cause! The 2012 Oxygen Ball features a gourmet station dinner, live and silent auctions, and the Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars Competition. Save the date for the 2012 Oxygen Ball on April 20, 2012 at 7:00PM. Proceeds will benefit the American Lung Association in South Carolina. 

Easter in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina is always an exciting place to spend the Easter holiday. With egg hunts, egg drops, parades, festivals, and more, there are plenty of activities to choose from that will entertain the entire family. Check out our Easter in Charleston blog entry to see a list of upcoming Easter holiday events.

Performing Arts
Visit the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center to see a spectacular performance of the musical Wicked! Wick is the untold story of the witches of Oz, declared 'Best Musical of the Decade' by Entertainment Weekly. Wicked will be in Charleston from April 19 - 29, 2012, so get your tickets today!

Festivals
Easter weekend is just around the corner and the entire family can celebrate at the Easter Festival at Freshfields Village. Children can enjoy an inflatable slide, jump castle, face painter, and Easter crafts. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance! The best part? This event is free for all! Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Perhaps you are looking for a festival that allows you to bring your ENTIRE family, including your four-legged, furry friends. How about spending the weekend at the Pet Fest from April 14 - 15, 2012!  Enjoy a full weekend of exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment and more!

Outdoor Recreation
If you like to be outdoors and active, the following events are definitely for you! First up is the 3rd Annual Charleston Bed Race Fundraiser on April 15, 2012. Teams of 5 people will create their own bed and push it on a 100 yard course in Hampton Park against other teams. The following weekend is the Bodhi's Revenge SUP Race scheduled for April 22, 2012 at 8:00AM. This is the Charleston's area first and only SUP surf slalom and Battle of the Paddle style event so register today so that you can be one of the first competitors!

We are looking forward to a month full of exciting Charleston events. Check out our Upcoming Events page for additional events and activities coming up in April 2012. Tell us all about the events that you participate in by posting on our blog and Facebook page. We love to see comments and pictures about these spectacular Charleston events. We look forward to hearing from you!

Danielle Snyder
Charleston SC Events