There was a sea of red hats at the Hoe-Down Happening in Meridian this weekend. Red Hat ladies from across the south met for this event. The only rule-fun was mandatory.

"You are just dressing up the gaudier the better," said one of the red hat wearing ladies.

Red Hat ladies are women over fifty. On regular days they are mothers, grandmothers, and career women. They say aging is something to anticipate with excitement not dread.

"We have spend all of our lives doing things for others we decide this is one time we get to do things for ourselves," said Valerie Powell, Queen Mother for a Meridian Red Hat Chapter.

There are chapters across the world and each year state groups get together to share ideas and meet new friends. The ladies spent the day eating, dancing taking part in fashion shows and showing off their outrageous outfits.

The theme of the event was selected to honor Meridian native Jimmie Rodgers. The event took place at the Gathering Place in Meridian.