By Vanessa Braithwaite

THERE is one particular event that Lindeners look forward to during the Easter and it is the Elegance Fashion Easter Hat Show. For the past six years, this is the only event held in the mining town of Linden that really encapsulates the spirit of Easter and gives the little girls and women the spruce to dress up in their flowery Easter outfits and ‘dash out’ those elegant and creative Easter hats.

The show is the talk of the town and this year will be fittingly held today at Major’s Reception Hall in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. This year, it will be an all-white affair and the show will be nothing short of glitters and glamour. Six years ago, Aunty Francine as she is fondly known in the Linden community, sat and decided that an Easter Hat show is something unique and new to Linden and with much collaboration the idea was materialised. “One day I was there just thinking what can I do to occupy my time, and I just sat there and decided that I can do a hat show and I came up with the idea on how to work with the children and the adults on getting the hats designed, then I got a few parents and put it to them and they accepted the idea and got the children involved and that is how it all started,” Major reminisced.

Now deemed a signature Easter event in Linden, the hat show has attracted many persons and now local designers are involved since the show also gives them an opportunity to market themselves, their businesses and their talent.

Colourful, extravagantly designed hats showcasing Easter culture such bunnies, flowers and eggs are modelled by children ranging from three years old to adults up to 50 years old. The hats are judged and attractive prizes are up for grabs. “The hats are judged by creativity, colour and materials that are used to make the hats,” Major explained.

TALENT SHOWCASE
In addition, guests are also treated to a cultural extravaganza of dances, songs and dramatic poetry all showcasing the talent of Linden. While the event is well supported by Lindeners, Francine has hopes that the show will be done nationally and is hoping that participants of hat shows in Georgetown will support the event. “We go to Georgetown when they have theirs, so we are encouraging persons to come to Linden.