Young’s Market in Taylorsville kept its doors open after hours Sept. 8 to host Gather Home Hat Bar, the brain child of small-business owner and entrepreneur Rachelle McNutt.
Residents of all ages gathered to laugh and socialize as they browsed a variety of hats differing in style, color, and materials that ranged from suede, felt and straw to palm leaf.
The display of hats, nestled among flowers on the patio, added to the amenities of Taylorsviiile’s oldest story, including locally famous burgers and a vast selection of fine wine and cheese.
Hatters Bailing Working and Cortney Barton brought an artistic twist to each hat customized to each individuals’ taste. With choices ranging from personalized messages to hat pins, feathers and playing cards, every hat that left the store was not only one of a kind but a representation of the person who created it.
McNutt, owner of Gather Home furniture and gifts in Chester, brought the hat bar concept with her when she moved to Plumas County from Texas, where it is popular.
“I saw the opportunity to share it and knew I had to run with it.” she said.
And run with it she did! After holding events this past year in her own community, McNutt decided to branch out into outlying communities. That led her to team up with Kelly Tan, owner of Young’s Market.
Third-grader Jaxyn Working enjoyed every minute of designing her cowgirl hat, taking time to choose just the right brands to express her personality. Her hat includes a horse shoe, cactus, sun and moon as well as a brightly colored blue hat band.
“The girls making the hats are the best, and I’m not saying that because they are my cousins,” said Jaxyn. The beaming smile on her face made it clear she was telling the truth — that indeed she felt like a million dollars.
The Hat Bar demonstrates Plumas County residents’ support for small and local businesses, bringing them together and enhancing the local economy. To participate in the next Hat Bar experience, visit McNutt’s booth Sept. 14 at the last Lake Almanor Farmers Market of the season, or Ladies Night at Gather Home on Oct. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
