Mayor Proclaims: Troy NY is "Ginger City, USA" on Oct. 1, 2014

Walking Red Poster 2014-Web

For Immediate Release
Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723DCC@DuncanCrary.com
MAYOR PROCLAIMS: TROY NY IS "GINGER CITY, USA" OCT. 1
League of Extraordinary Red Heads Summons All Carrot Tops to Upstate CityTROY, N.Y. (Sept. 18, 2014) -- A small upstate city will have a new moniker this fall, by mayoral proclamation: on Oct. 1, Troy, NY shall be known as "Ginger City, USA."The date marks the second annual "Night of the Walking Red" event at Brown's Brewing Co. designed by The League of Extraordinary Red Heads, a highly visible collective of red-haired denizens headquartered in the small Hudson River city.

"The City of Troy embraces its diverse population and fun-loving characters," said Mayor Lou Rosamilia. "We do seem to have an unusually high number of red heads in our midst here, and they certainly brighten up the place."

Scan of original proclamation by City of Troy Mayor Louis A Rosamilia.

The fiery festivities of Oct. 1 feature an autumnal rite at Brown's Brewing Company, known as the "Toast of Coppertops," during which members of The League of Extraordinary Red Heads raise glasses of locally crafted Pumpkin Ale from the first batch of the season. As is their custom, the League will also discuss the items on their concise meeting agenda: "1) Us. 2) Them."Though the highly visible group assembles suddenly in public spaces, not much is known of the inner workings or its true purpose. It purports to be "a social get-together for those with reddish hair and those who love them," but some suspect it may be a secret society with plans for world domination. These conspiracy theories are bolstered by the fact that red heads comprise only 2 percent of the human population, and yet -- for scientifically unexplained reasons -- their ranks include a disproportionally high number of prominent figures, including world leaders, famous authors and celebrity actors."Because we always stand out, red heads can never hide in a crowd or at the back of the classroom," said Duncan Crary, founder of the League of Extraordinary Red Heads. "So we learn to have fun under scrutiny. Some people call that being 'fiery,' and we do tend to be an excitable bunch. That may be the reason why so many prominent figures in history have had crimson locks."The League of Extraordinary Red Heads formed in a flash in Troy on Jan. 30, 2013 and quickly earned the rank of No. 7 in the world for "Best Redheaded Gatherings of 2013" according to social media website, BuzzFeed. Crary said each of the League's previous three gatherings attracted more than 120 red-haired participants. Gatherings are always social, though one featured Scotland-based filmmaker Scott Harris for a screening of his smash hit documentary film "Being Ginger" in April, 2014.LoERH: ONE THOUSAND GINGERS, BRING IT! This Oct. 1, The League hopes to attract the largest attendance yet."If a thousand gingers descend upon dear old Troy, we'll be ready for them in 'Ginger City, USA,'" Crary said.One downtown hotel, Franklin Square Inn and Suites, is even offering a special $99 room rate for redheaded travelers on Oct. 1. (Ask for the Red Head Rate.) And participating local businesses will be offering "Ginger Discounts" for those brandishing League of Extraordinary Red Heads "Member" cards (which are distributed free during events). Brown's Brewing Co. will be serving "Wholly Moses Pumpkin Ale" brewed with pumpkins from the Moses Farm (as in the family of the late American painter "Grandma Moses") of Eagle Bridge, NY. There will be a special ginger and pumpkin themed menu. Other features will be added and announced on the fly.Those planning to attend are encouraged to "join" the facebook event so organizers can better prepare for the expected crowd.DETAILS:The League of Extraordinary Red Heads Presents:"Night of the Walking Red" & "Toast of the Coppertops"An Autumnal Rite with "Wholly Moses Pumpkin Ale"Oct. 1, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. Start | Free AdmissionBrown's Brewing Co. 417 River Street, Troy NYPUBLICITY IMAGESHigh resolution photo graphs, logos and League related publicity images can be downloaded here: https://extraordinary.red/for-media/FOR INFORMATIONhttps://extraordinary.redhttps://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfExtraordinaryRedheadsPROCLAMATION TEXTWHEREAS, The City of Troy embraces its diverse population, and the contributions of its characters; andWHEREAS, the City equally, and without grudging hesitation, embraces its red head denizens as among some of the most colorful characters in our midst -- both in the hue of their fiery follicles as well as in their soulful personalities; andWHEREAS, red hair can be found sprouting from the scalps and chins of folks around the globe, regardless of race, nationality or creed; andWHEREAS, only a mere 2 percent of the human population is naturally red haired, yet their gloriously blazing ranks include some of the greatest leaders in our history such as George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Kris Kringle, Lucy Ricardo (née Lucille Esmeralda McGillicuddy), Carol Burnett, Agent Dana Scully, Bozo the Clown, and, of course, Helen of Troy; andWHEREAS, with their skin so fair and easily pinked by the sun, red heads have been fallaciously believed to be on the verge of extinction; though we all joyously know the contrary; andWHEREAS, the City of Troy is home to the esteemed international headquarters of The League of Extraordinary Red Heads, whose highly visible gatherings brighten our streets, public houses and retinas; and whose annual autumnal rites include a public Toast of Pumpkin Ale, locally crafted by Brown's Brewing Company; andWHEREAS, said League embraces the terms "Ginger," "Coppertop" and "Daywalker" with glowing pride and cites them as affectionate and favorable monikers befitting their illuminating personas;Now, therefore, I, Lou Rosamilia, Mayor of the City of Troy, do hereby proclaim that, on Oct. 1, 2014, our fair city shall also be known on this day as GINGER CITY, USA, a Shangri-La or Brigadoon for red heads around the world to visit and "kick back in," not be kicked.Signed: Louis A RosamiliaDate: Oct. 1, 2014Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723DCC@DuncanCrary.com

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