Redheads set to meet in Troy
TROY, N.Y. » Hundreds of naturally red-haired people will assemble in upstate New York next month for an annual meeting and beer toast.
“October in upstate New York is the best time and place and time to be a red head in America,” said Duncan Crary in a news release, founder of The League of Extraordinary Red Heads. “Not only can we gingers go outside without fear of sunburn, but we also look amazing against all the blazing foliage.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, starting at 5 p.m., The League of Extraordinary Red Heads will present “Night of the Walking Red VI” at Ryan’s Wake Public House, overlooking the Hudson River at 403 River St. in downtown Troy.
Organizers said the fiery festivities feature an autumnal rite known as the “Toast of The Coppertops,” during which members of the redhaired collective raise glasses of seasonal Pumpkin Ale. Looming above them will be a 15-foot vinyl sign bearing the League’s registered trademark logo and the concisely stated: “Agenda 1) Us. 2) Them.”
There will be a sunset group photograph on the deck at 6:15 p.m. Entertainment will include endless antics, like naughty ginger bathroom signs, a photo booth with red wigs for unlucky brunettes and blondes, and live music by funk band Oobleck with original tunes like “Ginger Snap.”
Admission is free. Children are welcome with supervision. The League gives special recognition to “Distinguished White Heads,” such as Santa Claus, whose ginger hair has turned white. Un-redheads are also welcome to witness the crimson jubilee.
Last October, officials said more than 250 red haired folks came to the party, traveling from as far away as New Jersey, Buffalo, Saranac Lake and= Vermont. This year, Crary expects an even larger draw as word of the event spreads.
“This is a rare spectacle that many of us look forward to all year,” Crary said. “I’ve made some great friends through these gatherings over the years. Some parents have brought their red headed munchkins to each League meeting and one of my favorite things is to watch them grow up. Some day, when all my red has faded, one of them will have to lead this tribe.”
New this year, Crary said any group of three gingers or more who attend the Oct. 3 meeting can receive a provisional chapter status and forgo the affiliation dues.
“This started as a joke between a few friends but it quickly turned into something real. Still, the emphasis is on having fun, having a good time, and having a good sense of humor about being red, which ain’t always easy,” said Crary, a professional writer who pens the League’s tonguein-cheek website and other printed materials.
Crary said he gets requests from around the world to form local chapters. This month, he started accepting applications to form chapters working toward the goal of creating more red head gatherings in other cities such as Boston, New York and Buffalo. Requests to form a chapter can be made via the website, http :// league of extraordinary red heads. com/ about/chapters/
The League of Extraordinary Red Heads formed in a flash in Troy on Jan. 30, 2013 and quickly earned the rank of No. 7 in the world for “Best Red headed Gatherings of 2013” according to social media website, BuzzFeed. League gatherings typically attract more than 100 redhaired participants.