Cindy Stephenson is helping to plan Red Hat Day, which will be held on the square April 26. April 26 will also be the grand opening of her store, an old fashioned grocery store located on the square's east side. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge]

The Main Street Program has announced Red Hat Day, with a special parade in honor of The Red Hat Society's 10th anniversary.

Red and pink hatters are wanted for the parade, said Cindy Stephenson, who is coordinating the event along with other members of the Main Street program. Stephenson is trying to get as many red hatters involved as possible. She said red hatters can participate as individuals or groups.

Red Hat Day, which falls on the last Saturday in April, will indeed be special, with a variety of vendors, fundraising booths, good food and other fun activities to go along with the town's first-ever Red Hat Parade which kicks off at noon.

Activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For barbecue lovers, Uncle Sonny's will be set up on the square.

Relay for Life will have a fundraising booth as will The Next Step Home. Businesses and/or local non-profit organizations who wish to acquire a both should reserve space now.

April 26 will also be the grand opening of W.R.L. Market, an old fashioned grocery/convenience store which will occupy 112-A East Side Square. Stephenson, who moved to Shelbyville from Wisconsin a few weeks ago, is looking forward to providing Shelbyville with a convenient and unusual place to shop.

In addition to selling J.R. Watkins products, which include spices, toilet articles and remedies, Stephenson will sell eggs, bread, milk, butter, soda, snacks, deli sandwiches, soups, cookies and more.

Although new to the area, Stephenson has already become actively involved in the Main Street program, which aims to improve the quality of life on the square.

To participate in the parade or to acquire a booth on Red Hat Day (businesses or non-profit groups) contact Cindy Drake at 680-1070 or Stephenson at 685-8113.