Beautifying a Garden, One Mad Hat at a Time
Sure, they help keep the sun off, but now there’s another reason to sport a hat this summer—and the madder, the better. The second annual Mad Hatter’s Garden Party Sunday, July 24 presents an opportunity to dig out your wackiest headgear for an outdoor (weather permitting) tea party on the grounds of the Deep River Public Library. Three attendees will take home prizes for best mad hat, but the real winner is the library’s garden and grounds.
Library Director Susan Rooney is hoping this year’s event will match the success of last year’s party, which drew about 80 people. At the inaugural party, a judge awarded a grand prize to the wearer of the best mad hat; this year, participants will vote to determine the three best hats.
“Everybody is asked to wear a hat,” Rooney emphasizes.
Beyond the hat contest, the adult-only fundraiser includes live music, a teapot auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine, and champagne punch.
“Everyone on the board and everyone on the committee brings something, so it’s a lot of homemade things. There’ll be a lot of desserts, a lot of finger foods, then Roy Jefferson makes a very famous punch. It’s really good and we’ll have plenty of that,” says Rooney.
A big platter from the Cheese Shop of Centerbrook will complement the homemade goodies. Other merchant support comes in the form of gifts from local businesses for the teapot auction.
“We have some great gifts from the local businesses in the area,” Rooney says.
As for entertainment, hometown five-piece band Butter Jones will play a mix of cover songs, from Alison Krauss to The Zombies, as well as original tunes. Butter Jones consists of Jessica Collins on vocals, Mike Conklin on bass, Gary Parrington on drums, and Matt Gyorog and Ken Chmielewski on guitar.
“We’ll put up a big, white tent and the music will be out front. Everything should be outside, weather permitting,” Rooney says. “We’re hoping we have a great day. If it does rain, we’ll still hold it and we’ll have it inside.”
Proceeds from the $25-a-head fundraiser will go toward installing an irrigation system in the Children’s Garden. Future Mad Hatter parties will further enhance the garden.
“[The irrigation system] is the main thing we’re hoping for, and maybe someday we can replace the gates on the stone wall,” says Rooney. “If we do it every year, we’re hoping we can slowly beautify the outside.”
The event is co-sponsored by the Deep River Garden Club, the Deep River Public Library, and the Friends of the Deep River Public Library. Along with a hat, participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the food pantry. Those who donate food will receive a one-time coupon that pays off a library fine. Tickets are $25, available at the library or at the door.
The Deep River Garden Club, the Deep River Public Library, and the Friends of the Deep River Public Library present the second annual Mad Hatter’s Garden Party on Sunday, July 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the library at 150 Main Street. Tickets are $25. Make checks payable to the Deep River Garden Club. Proceeds benefit the library garden and grounds. Bring a nonperishable food donation for the food pantry and receive a one-time, fine-free library coupon. For more information, contact 860-526-6039 or deepriverpubliclibrary@gmail.com.