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Red Dress Run Returns to New Orleans for 20th Year

The second Saturday in August in New Orleans is generally reserved for Hash House Harriers’ annual Red Dress Run. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the outdoor “run” that offers fun for all adults over 21 years old. The New Orleans Hash House Harriers (NOH3) is a running group that claims the slogan, “A New Orleans drinking club with a running problem.” If you haven’t guessed it yet, the Red Dress Run is a New Orleans event that incorporates running, drinking and raising money for local charities.

What Can I Expect at the Red Dress Run?

On Saturday, August 9, 2014, thousands of registrants (and thousands more who didn’t register) will take to the streets of the French Quarter wearing red dresses – women and men. Some will dress in costume, while others will wear a dress they found at the local thrift store. Starting at 9:30 a.m., in Louis Armstrong Park on the edge of the French Quarter, beer will be served, music will be played and people will gather around to start their “run” through the Quarter. By 11:30 a.m., the Hashers, as they are popularly called, will run through the streets while the 7,000 other participants will meander around the Quarter, beer in hand, stopping in bars along the way, taking photos with their strangely dressed male friends, and generally acting rambunctious, having fun and raising money for this year’s charities.

After the race, you can expect a great BBQ spread from Corky’s, music from a few live bands including Flow Tribe and 5 Finger Discount, and endless beer, food and prizes for registered participants. Online registration ended, but you can sign up at the Expo on Thursday & Friday, August 7 & 8 at the New Orleans Fairgrounds for $70.00. You can also register (cash only) on the day of the event, starting at 9 am., for $80.00. Tickets are being scalped on Craigslist. Where does your money go? To 60 local charities that need it. For a complete list of the charities that have been donated to in the past, click here.

Red Dress Run Rules & Regulations

This is strictly a 21+ age event. If you are under 21 years old, I would not attempt to register for, enter or even tag along with those attending the Red Dress Run. If caught, you could face fines and possible jail time for a minor in possession. This goes for those adults who would like to bring their children. No children are allowed. No one under 21 years old is allowed, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Wearing a red dress is a requirement. Don’t worry if you feel uncomfortable (males…), so does everyone else.

Do not bring drugs, contraband or weapons to the Red Dress Run.

There are always those that feel that they do not have to pay in order to wear a red dress. Although this is true, and you can probably find those people on Bourbon Street all day long, they cannot enter the gates of Louis Armstrong Park for food, beer or music. Those that don’t register are also not contributing to the fundraiser itself.

Getting Arrested at Red Dress Run in New Orleans

Remember that although this is [another] big party on the streets of New Orleans, there are still laws that you must abide by.

  • Nudity is illegal. Although there will always be those wearing as minimal as possible, it is illegal to show private parts and/or urinate in public.
  • Cooperate with law enforcement. New Orleans is a unique city in that we have the opportunity to party and drink alcohol in the streets. As a thank you and for your safety, cooperate with law enforcement if they talk to you, ask you for a favor, or give you orders.
  • Be respectful of others. Although August is the lowest tourist month of the year for New Orleans, there are those that are not participating in Red Dress Run out in the French Quarter. Respect their space. Respect their person. Don’t bang on cars or other moving vehicles. Do you mess with NOPD horses or bicyclists.
  • Leave your firearms and drugs at home.
  • Do not drink out of glass containers of any kind. Leave beer bottles in the bars and grab a ‘go cup.’ Drink out of plastic cups, cans or plastic bottles. And, while you’re at it, drink lots of water to stay hydrated!

Call an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer if Arrested

If you do find yourself in an unexpected predicament, please feel free to call or e-mail me. I am available for a free consultation and as a New Orleans criminal defense lawyer experienced with French Quarter arrests, I am happy to take your call at any time. Enjoy New Orleans’ version of the Red Dress Run. On On.

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