'You Can Leave Your Hat On' - Girls Have Fun Saturday in Banning

A tea party, luncheon and fashion show Saturday in Banning was billed as "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and they did so with the help of two local sports in drag.

Restaurateur Johnny Russo and City Treasurer John McQuown dressed as ladies to judge the hat contest Saturday at The Elegant Affair.

Helen Sheehan of Sun Lakes took top honors for Best Hat, Valerie Menefee won for Moast Creative, and Barbara Semic of Sun Lakes was recognized for the "Hat No One Would Be Caught Dead In," according to Russo and McQuown.

Russo, co-owner of Russo's Italian Kitchen, and McQuown seemed to enjoy themselves as much as the hat contestants and other attendees.

The event, organized in part by the Banning Chamber of Commerce, took place Saturday at The Elegant Affair on West Ramsey Street.

There were "girlie vendors," jewelry, makeup, massages, a Zumba dance demo by Curves, gifts, raffles and door prizes.

The fashion show was staged by Ellie's Galleria of Banning.

Tickets were $25 each. The event was scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 182 W. Ramsey St.

Men were invited to buy tickets "for the ladies in your life."

More information about future events is available from the chamber of commerce at (951) 849-4695.