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On April 3rd, 2007, a new tradition began, as MFTA celebrated its first annual Crazy Hat Shopping Day. Over 100 recipients took the rare opportunity to display their creativity by affixing paper, sequined honeycomb, and large plastic birds to their heads. A spirit of celebration prevailed, but this wasn't all fun and games -- there was a title to be claimed. The recipient who proved to be the maddest hatter won for their group their choice from a buffet of fantabulous prizes, including a bust of Julius Caesar, Indian silver jewelry, a package of ten cans of Pepsi and a Friends of Materials for the Arts T-shirt. Schoolteachers, dancers and sculptors admired their neighbor's creativity, but each shared a longing for glory. "Crazy Hat Award 2007. I want that prize." In the end, two groups would claim victory. Women's One World Cafe, led by Nicki Marshall, wowed the judges with their coordinated, avian-themed millinery. Later on, Debbi Gibson of Brooklyn's PS 102 took the cake with her multicolored jungle of feathers -- with a ghoulish mask thrown in to boot! Gibson, interviewed in the Fabric section, said, "This is wonderful, it really is. I am so glad to be a part of MFTA." Will Women's One World Cafe and PS 102 defend their crown in 2008, or will the Crazy Hat Award go to a newcomer, lurking in the wings, honing their skills? Only time will tell. Until then, congratulations to all of our recipients for a job well done.
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