National Straw Hat Day with the 77's

15 May 2023, 09:00 - 10:00

Straw Hat Day is observed on May 15 every year to celebrate this timeless wardrobe staple. Both men and women wear it in a variety of styles. From conical to Panama, the straw hat has stood the test of time, serving not only as a protection from the sun but a fashion statement. Today’s the day people celebrate this functional yet stylish hat.

The day marks the beginning of summer, with people switching their winter headgears to the spring/summer ones. On the other hand, at the University of Pennsylvania, Straw Hat Day was observed on the second Saturday of May, the day being the principal spring celebration for undergraduates and a ballgame. The day was said to be widely accepted in Philadelphia that no one in the city dared wear a straw hat before the ballgame.

A straw hat, a brimmed hat woven out of straw or straw-like materials, is not only for protection but for style, and even it becomes a symbol. And it has been around since the Middle Ages. In Lesotho, ‘mokorotlo’ — a local name for the straw hat — is worn as part of the traditional Sotho clothing. It’s a national symbol. The ‘mokorotlo’ also appears on their flag and license plates. In the U.S., the Panama hat became popular due to President Theodore Roosevelt wearing it during his visit to the Panama Canal construction site.

The Straw Hat Riot of 1922 was a riot that occurred in New York City at the end of the summer as a result of unwritten rules in men's fashions at the time, and a tradition of taunting people who had failed to stop wearing straw hats after autumn began. Originating as a series of minor riots, it spread due to men wearing straw hats past the unofficial date that was deemed socially acceptable, September 15. It lasted eight days, leading to many arrests and some injuries.

Join us at McDonalds, 2750 W 104th Ave, Federal Heights, CO, from 9AM to 10AM, Monday, May 15th for coffee, breakfast, laughter, and geocaching camaraderie. Small TBs for discovery or moving on are always welcome. McDonalds sells food and beverages for your consumption, but purchase is not required to attend. Come on out, we love to see new cachers and seasoned cachers. Wear your straw hat if you have one, but not a requirement to attend. All are welcome. The kids playground is open.