HIGHWOOD'S REDHEAD DAYS CHICAGO AFFILIATE RAPIDLY APPROACHING

What do Ronald McDonald, Van Gogh, and Jacky Collis Harvey all share in common? They all have luscious locks of brilliant red, and they will all be represented in the rapidly approaching Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate, June 6-7 in Downtown Highwood, IL. From top-notch entertainment and performers, and plenty of great red foods and drinks for purchase, to book signings and a baking competition, Highwood’s Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate seeks to have a little bit of something for everyone. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. It’s time to begin the Red Revolution!

Red hair is no longer seen as a curse, but a beautiful blessing, with celebrities (including Christina Hendricks, Amy Adams and Debra Messing) dying their original hair color of blonde and brunette to embrace the sizzling hot shade. Whether cinnamon, crimson, copper, cherry or strawberry blonde, Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate invites redheads of all ages, hair colors, and styles to help create 50 shades of red and paint the town red!

Even better, the festival is FREE! The City of Highwood is anxiously preparing for the flood of red, and businesses are perfecting their best red recipes and specials. Highwood is a stop on the Metra Rail, with an easily walkable Downtown, allowing visitors to taste and sample all the ginger treats their hearts desire.

Although anyone of any hair color can join the ginger jamboree, the highlight of the two-day event will be the attempt to break the world record for most gingers gathered together in one photograph. The current record sits at 1,672 and was set in 2013 in Breda, Netherlands, the hometown creator of the internationally acclaimed Redhead Days Festival.

On Sunday, June 7, from 2-3pm, event promoter, Jim Stoecker, and Ronald McDonald, will lead the parade of redheads to Highwood’s first attempt at the world’s greatest ginger gathering caught on film! All natural redheads are invited to join the march from City Hall Park (17 Highwood Avenue) to Everts Park (130 Highwood Avenue) where the overhead photograph will be taken. To make their red locks pop in the photo all redheads are asked to come dressed in a blue shirt (event shirts will be available for purchase on site).

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Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate seeks to be as interactive as possible offering live music, dancing, and a carrot cake throw down competition! Both amateur and professional bakers are welcome, as they will host two separate rounds. Attendees and participants in the carrot cake throw down will have the opportunity win a gift certificate to The Redhead Piano Bar.

Another weekend highlight will be the United States premier of Jacky Collis Harvey’s new book, Red: The History of the Redhead. Harvey will give a presentation at 1pm on Sunday, and attendees will be the first people to get their hands on the book before its national release on June 9. Harvey will be on-site to sign copies, answer any questions, and greet her fellow redheads in attendance.

Specialty drinks to please every shade of red will be provided by 2 Gingers Whiskey and Van Gogh Vodka. 2 Gingers will be representing the Irish roots of red hair and freckled skin. The whiskey is distilled at Kilbeggan Distillery in Ireland, and the brand inspired by Kieran Folliard’s own fiery redheaded mother. Their signature drink, the “Big Ginger” is a modern spin on a whiskey ginger ale and sure to be a staple throughout the weekend. Van Gogh Vodka, named after Redheaded “Starry Night” artist, will be providing their specialty vodkas to be served in businesses throughout Highwood during the Fest. From Pomegranate Lemonade to Bloody Marys, Van Gogh will amp up the fun.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have such a wide variety of red come into town,” says Stoecker. “I have found that many redheads are quite passionate about their locks and am happy to reinforce their enthusiasm through this festival.”

Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate will have plenty to do for all ages at the Central Gathering Place (City Hall Park) and at businesses throughout Downtown Highwood:

Saturday, June 7th 10am-5pm at City Hall Park (17 Highwood Ave.)

•Register to be a part of the record breaking ginger gathering

•Live Music

•Food and drink vendors including Van Gogh Vodka, 2 Gingers, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Redhead Piano Bar, Popcorn Jester and Jester Juice

•Visit the Ronald McDonald House

•Visit the Yelp! booth for great red giveaways

•Get the first release of Red: The History of the Redhead (Black Dog & Leventhal Publishing)

•12:30 - Kids will enjoy participating in the “Go Active with Ronald McDonald” show

•1-2pm - Carrot Cake Throw Down will bring together amateur and professional bakers

•Paint the Town Red (or Taste the Rainbow from 2-4pm) at participating businesses throughout town including Pastificio, The Bent Fork Bakery, Tap House Grill, The Humble Pub, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Longitud315, The Art of Beer, Nite N’ Gale, Toadstool Pub, and The Wooden Nickel.

Sunday, June 7th:

•10am-5pm Register to be a part of the record breaking ginger gathering

•Live Music

•Food & drink vendors including Van Gogh Vodka, 2 Gingers, Alex’s Washington Gardens, Redhead

Piano Bar, Popcorn Jester and Jester Juice

•Visit the Ronald McDonald House

•Visit the Yelp! booth for great red giveaways

•Get the first release of Red: The History of the Redhead (Black Dog & Leventhal Publishing)

•12-1pm – Meet author Jacky Colliss Harvey’s as she presents and signs her new book, Red: The History of the Redhead

•1-3 - Darren the Comedian (yes, a redhead) will be spewing comedy throughout Highwood, even

including a few sets on his life as a redhead, as he emcees the great gathering.

•1-3 - Ronald McDonald will be on site taking photos and joining the parade to be the center of the Ginger Gathering photo

•2-3pm – The parade of gingers kicks off from City Hall Park to Everts Park for Highwood’s first attempt at the world’s greatest ginger gathering caught on film!

To stay up to date with the latest news on Redhead Days in Highwood, please LIKE www.facebook.com/RHDchicago or view Redhead Days official website at http://www.redheaddays.nl.