By Kate Bartlett
Lucky Day Homestead will be hosting Hat Bars during Nashville Nights, the new country-themed festival in Ellicottville April 17-19. The event brings high-energy, Nashville-inspired vibes to the village with live country music, line dancing, and themed drink specials across multiple venues. Hat Bars will be taking place each night, offering the perfect opportunity for guests to complete their country vibe.
Emily Tingue, founder of Lucky Day Homestead, was approached by longtime friend Sally Zerfas with the idea of burning the hats a couple years ago. “It started with baseball caps and the western hats have jumped into the mix,” explains Emily. “We now carry 5 styles that have adjustable sizes, so everyone is pleased with their choice to start. Sally has an amazing eye for fashion and threw her idea into my creative view, it has been entertaining creating these with local groups and visitors from all over the country.” Sally also works at Daff Boutique in Ellicottville and can properly style you with some great threads to match your hat or guide you to a sparkling addition to your brim, stop by and shop to match the fashion.”
A hat bar is an interactive retail experience or station where customers customize hats (Western Style, cowboy, flat brim, fedoras, or baseball hats) to match their personal style. It is a hands-on, DIY activity where participants select a base hat and adorn it with items like feathers, chains, pins, hat bands, and branded or burned designs.
Emily offers a wide range of hats in various colors with wood-burner on site to brand with different designs. “It’s so much fun helping guests style their hats,” says Emily. “Each hat is unique and really reflects the individuals personal style.” Guests can choose from provided ‘flair’ options (ribbons, gemstones, and more) or bring their own, such as custom jewelry. Emily also has pre-made hats available for purchase for guests to stop in and shop during each pop-up event.
Hat Bars will be offered Friday evening at Pour Taproom from 5-8pm, Saturday afternoon at Mill Street Sports Pub from 2-5pm and Sunday afternoon at Balloons from 2-5pm. “It’s the perfect way for guests to add some flair to the weekend,” explains Emily. “Not only is it fun to create the hats, but it brings a little more Nashville country energy to the weekend; and they’re great for pictures!”
The Lucky Day Homestead Hat Bar is also available for private/special events and has become popular for birthday parties and Bachelorette weekends. Men’s and women’s styles are available, and prices vary based on design. “We love hosting special events. Everyone has a great time!”
Lucky Day Homestead is hosting several events this upcoming season, with private classes available for booking upon request. The Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) Rad Dad Bike Rally will take place at Homestead to help celebrate Father’s Day on June 26 from 3-6pm along with a Plant Swap and Vendor Market June 23 from 11am-3pm. Their annual Roots Music Festival will take place on August 8 with live music, line dancing and vendor market from 11am-6pm. The 4th Annual Viking Harvest Feast and Vendor Fair will take place on August 29, and the Garden Gala and Flower Show will take place on July 18.
For more information on upcoming events visit luckydayhomestead.com and Ellicottvilleny.com and follow on social media. Reservations are highly recommended for the Hat Bar and can be made online.