Although the official end of summer, the autumnal equinox, isn’t until Sept. 22, in terms of the social season, this past Labor Day marked the end of summer as we know it.
It is termed gauche to wear white (though “winter white” is becoming fashionable, I still don’t believe one should wear white shoes after Labor Day ever, but if you’re a bride, you’re exempt), seersucker and white linen (well, wearing linen at all should pretty much be discouraged) after Labor Day. I know that these are old and possibly outdated rules, but there are plenty of hot-weather styles that don’t include the above. On the other hand, there are famous style-makers who never abided by this rule, including Coco Chanel. And since our fair city stays well above the 80-degree mark into October, linen and khaki can be worn past this cut-off made long ago.
In terms of food, there are also many changes that Labor Day heralds. The bad news is that Hansen’s Sno-Bliz traditionally closed on Labor Day; the good news is that it now stays open later! Hansen’s will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-7 p.m., until Tuesday, Oct. 1. The other good news is that Casamento’s (now serving chargrilled oysters as well as some of the freshest raw oysters in town, and an amazing oyster loaf, and crab claws and…) will be opening Tuesday, Sept. 10.
In addition to all that, it’s also time for the New Orleans nonprofit gala season to ramp up. Below are just some of the nonprofit events happening from Labor Day through the month of September. While we enjoy these changes and find the right attire for attending a whole bunch of events in the heat, at least we know that cooler weather is on the way, along with a whole new set of rules, openings and events!
September Nonprofit Events:
6: “Juliette & Cameron’s 1st Annual Golf Tournament”
Benefits: Make-A-Wish of the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
Contact: 230-1810
11: “Crimestoppers GNO Patron Party, Featuring: Dr. John and Bobby Rush”
Benefits: Crimestoppers GNO
Contact: Darlene, 837-8477
13: “A Night at the Oscars”
Benefits: Boys Hope Girls Hope
Contact: 484-7744
14: “Q’n for Kids 2013”
Benefits: Each One Save One
Contact: 896-9979
15: “Champagne and Jazz Brunch”
Benefits: Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association
Contact: 267-9527
20: “Martini Madness”
Benefits: Friends of City Park
Contact: 483-9376
20: “Justice for All Ball”
Benefits: The Pro Bono Project
Contact: 581-4043
20: “Scales & Ales”
Benefits: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Contact: 401-6267
23: “Kick-Off for Komen”
Benefits: Susan G. Komen New Orleans Affiliate
Contact: 455-7310
24: “Community Arts Awards”
Benefits: The Arts Council of New Orleans
Contact: 523-1465
26: “Celebration of Life Luncheon”
Benefits: Cancer Crusaders
Contact: 913-3041
26: “The River Between Us Opening Reception”
Benefits: Long Vue House and Gardens
Contact: 488-5488
27: “Belles and Beaus Ball”
Benefits: American Cancer Society
Contact: 219-2272
27: “Colin Goodier Annual Golf Tournament”
Benefits: Colin Goodier Annual Gold Tournament LSU Scholarship
Contact: 895-7076, nggoodier@aol.com
27: “Fore! Recovery Golf Tournament”
Benefits: Bridge House/Grace House
Contact: 821-7135, wolivio@bridgehouse.org
27: “Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Dinner”
Benefits: Girl Scouts Louisiana East
Contact: 355-5864
27: “Golden Tassel Gala”
Benefits: Jefferson Dollars for Scholars
Contact: 831-1565
27: “LOVE in the Garden”
Benefits: New Orleans Museum of Art
Tickets: Members: $75; Non-Members: $100
Contact: 658-4121
27: “Vino on the Bayou”
Benefits: Louisiana Landmarks Society
Contact: 482-0312
28: “Art On Oak (for Symphony Book Fair)”
Benefits: Symphony Volunteers, Inc.
Contact: 861-2004
28: “Black and Gold Gala”
Benefits: Payton’s Play it Forward Foundation
Contact: 529-6681
28: “Friends of the Poor Walk/Run”
Benefits: Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Contact: 289-2465
28: “New Orleans on Tap Beer Festival & Fundraiser”
Benefits: Louisiana SPCA
Tickets: Free, but donations suggested; Beer samples start at $1
Contact: 762-3307
28: “VCPORA’s 75th Anniversary Gala”
Benefits: Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents & Associates, Inc.
Contact: 581-7200
28: “La Masque Carnivale”
Benefits: Crimestoppers GNO
Contact: Darlene, 837-8477