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The Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat were all in attendance at the 27th annual Mad Hatter’s Masquerade, presented by the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, on Thursday, February 24. The characters were played by Gloria Darlak, Eileen Capritto and Dee Long, respectively, and were joined by Alice – April Hurry – and the Mad Hatter himself, John “Spud” McConnell.
Master of Ceremonies Vince Vance helped narrate the event, which featured a fashion show sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and was held at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
The fashion show, “The Best of American and European Designs for Men and Women 2011,” was followed by the annual hat judging contest by “judges extraordinaire” Kitsi Adams, Carolyn Elder, Maureen McConnell, Trixie Minx, Manuel Ponce, Anais St. John and Sammy L. Steele. Hat categories included Most Beautiful, Most Humorous, Most Original, Best Ensemble, Best Opera Theme, Best Group Theme and Mad Hatter’s Choice.
The event, co-chaired by Mrs. Charles Killion and Mrs. M. Kimball Schlafly, also featured a silent auction and
raffle prizes.
The Women’s Guild supports the New Orleans Opera Association, which has helped bring opera to New Orleans for more than 200 years through educational programs, fundraising and good will programs.