What is a Hoot?

A "Hoot" is our word for an unstructured and extremely informal gathering of RHS members. It's usually a one day event. Sometimes (but not always) it involves a train with members traveling from near and far to meet at one location. We pick a place and go there in mass. We all gather briefly to say "Hello" and then go our merry ways to lunch or shop or meander. The key to a hoot is that each participant is responsible for her own reservations, transportation etcetera. There can be a theme but definitely no formal program as such.

Pirate Regalia

We be wearing pirate gear thar! Pirate regalia is optional for this Hoot but really fun to wear. If you’d like to join in, here are some ideas to pirate-up your Red and Pink Hat Regalia.

Pirate Hats
Any Panama or large brimmed sun or straw hat can be used to create a pirate hat. Any of these styles are appropriate.

Turn up one side in Musketeer style.
(Early pirate!)

Turn up two-sides in the Bicorn style. (Wear front to back or side to side.)

Turned up three ways to the Tricorn style. (Think Jack Sparrow!)

If the perfect hat you find or have is not red or pink, spray paint it the right color or cover it with red feathers or other booty! Some wenches will wear red or pink scarves tied around their heads and may add beads, trinkets and other booty.

Apparel Hints
Think Pirates of the Caribbean.

• Purple and/or red loose skirts, hiked up on the side or not.
• Purple, red, or black pants, cut jagged on the legs. Capri pants with side ties on the legs are good too.
• Pirate T-shirts, frayed or cut jagged on the hems.
• Scarves tied at the waist or or your can use a length of material and wrap, wrap, wrap. Cover with belt(s).
• Striped T-shirts or tanks. (Unfortunately for our figures , horizontal stripes are popular with pirates.)
• Drag that ruffled poet blouse from the back of the closet. Team it with a shirt or pants and wrap a belt/scarf around your waist, hang a few beads around your neck, add dangle earrings. Pick a hat or scarf for your head and you are set.
• If you attend Renaissance Faires, you can use parts of that costume or accessories! Belts, more than one is okay.
• Boots: the taller the better! You can wear them with or without long striped socks. Ropey beach sandals work, too.
• Belt pouch instead of a purse. Recycle one of those gauzy gift bags and tie it to your belt.
• Hoop earrings, beads or anything that looks gypsy, or Caribbean. Don’t forget your fan, in case it’s hot.
• If you are really into this pirate thing, you may have a vest, corset, or a waist cincher. Wear it if you dare and if you can stand being laced into it all day. Prepare to be photographed!

Pirate Speak!

Ahoy there, me hearties! If ye be intendin’ to enjoy this piratical adventure, ye be needin’ to learn to speak like an old salt! Here be our handy guide to conversin’ in pirate-talk!