They’re known as “Primetimers,” those who have retired or are “of a certain age” who are enjoying the prime time of life. Every month, this group from the First Methodist Church of Brewton, Alabama, holds an elaborate themed luncheon, complete with wardrobe suggestions. A summer lunch might feature seafood and everyone in a Hawaiian shirt, while one close to Columbus Day has a menu of Italian food served on red-and-white checkered tablecloths.
Since the church’s new pastor, Chris Patterson, and his wife, Dana, just arrived from Kentucky, this month’s theme of the Kentucky Derby was a no-brainer. It would make the new arrivals feel right at home, and as one woman said, “It’s a good excuse for us to wear hats,” just as they do at Churchill Downs for the first leg of the Triple Crown. After playing a recording of a bugler playing “Call to the Post” and “My Old Kentucky Home,” it was time to sample Bluegrass State cuisine.
And they’re off! In this case, the Run for the Roses was about 30 feet from the buffet line to the tables decorated more in line with a wedding. A vase of long-stemmed red roses graced the tabletops, while chairs had bows tied on the backs. The menu featured shrimp cocktail and traditional Derby fare such as Kentucky hot brown sliders (roast turkey sandwiches with bacon, tomatoes, mornay sauce, and pecorino romano or gruyere cheese). The dessert table was filled with mint julep bread pudding and pecan pies with chocolate chips served topped with vanilla ice cream. Guests found a virgin mint julep at their seats.
Dressing up was just as enjoyable as the food, as long-forgotten hats emerged from hatboxes, bringing back the feel of a bygone era when people were more formal with their attire. Even kitchen volunteers dressed up, as Debbie Hardee wore her hat while helping to prepare lunch. The simple act of wearing a hat brightened her day. “I feel a little fancy when we’re all dressed up,” she said.
Patsy Smith added a strand of pearls with her hat. She misses the days when hats were commonplace.
“I wish you could wear a hat today without being noticed,” she said.
While these luncheons are held in the church fellowship hall, they’re not religious events. The Rev. Patterson was very impressed with the food and feels that the monthly gatherings give the church’s senior members a special outing.
“The food was more than incredible. The pie made me feel like I was back home in the Kentucky bluegrass,” he said. “It’s so nice for people to sit together and laugh, and I like the themes. ... It gives you something to look forward to.”
His wife said, “It’s like a destination lunch, without having to travel.”
You don’t have to be in Kentucky to celebrate like those at Churchill Downs. As for having the opportunity to wear a hat again, Ms. Smith mentioned one more bonus: “It can hide a bad hairdo.”
