If you go Downtown on Saturday April 6, be prepared to either see red, or to wear it. The long-running Red Dress Party raises funds for the Sick Town Derby Dames non-profit roller derby league. Earlier that same evening, the Corvallis Hash Harriers will lead a Red Dress Run throughout Corvallis.
Both events share a tradition: participants of all genders historically wear red dresses. However, the Sick Town Derby Dames recently broadened the dress code to include other “festive” red outfits.
“Yes, it is called the Red Dress Party, but in fact, our guests can come dressed in any red outfit that they feel comfortable in,” said Sick Town Derby member Blade Maiden. “Something festive is wonderful – but we won’t turn anyone away for choosing to wear an alternative outfit that they feel more suited to.”
According to Maiden, the Dames use the proceeds to restore their historic roller rink.
“This is a major fundraiser for us, and is an absolute epic blast!” Said Maiden.
Maiden mentioned that runners who join the Corvallis Hash Harriers during their annual Red Dress Run receive VIP admission to the Red Dress Party. The cost to join the Red Dress Run is $20.00 and includes not only VIP access to the party itself but plenty of beer and cider during the run, according to Corvallis Hash House Harrier and organizer known as “Whistle While I Jerk” or just “Whistle,” if you prefer.
The Hash House Harriers describe themselves as a “drinking group with a running problem.” They are part of an international club that hosts running events where a “hare” marks the course with clues and refreshments followed by “hounds” who engage in merriment as they run the course. According to Whistle, the Hashers’ Red Dress Run tradition started in San Diego in 1987 after a woman visited her friend, who happened to be a Hasher. She went directly from the airport to her friend’s event wearing a red dress.
“She was not aware that her friend had plans to go hashing that day, and when they arrived at the event (and she was absolutely not dressed for it), she was told to sit it out until the run was complete. She opted to do the run anyways,” explained Whistle. “The next year, the San Diego hashers invited back The Lady in Red. Hundreds of hashers, male and female showed up to the event dressed in red dresses in her honor.”
The Red Dress Run is $20 and includes VIP admission to the Red Dress Party. The run starts at 6 p.m., but the location is still to be announced. Find the Corvallis Hash Harriers group on Facebook for starting location and details.
The Red Dress Party is $12 if wearing red, with Doors open at 9 p.m. It can be found at the Top of the Peacock, 125 SW 2nd Street. Ages 21 and over. Tunes by DJ Heartburn and Silpher. If you can’t make it in red, cover is $20, but includes a red rental from the Dames’ collection.
By Samantha Sied
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