CHICAGO MILLINERS KICK OFF THE 13TH ANNUAL LA FETE DES CATHERINETTES WEEKEND THIS THURSDAY

The celebration is in the tradition of French hat-makers whose patron saint is Catherine of Alexandria.

The Thursday event, presented by the Millinery Arts Alliance in Chicago, welcomes professional hat makers and shoppers to The Gage restaurant, 24 S. Michigan Ave. From 6 to 10 p.m. An array of couture hats by alliance members will be sold. Admission is free, and a cash bar is available. Patrons are encouraged to stay for dinner. Reservations are required. Call 312-372-4243 and specify the Millinery Event.

The celebration continues over the weekend in The Lobby of The Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior St., where fall and winter hat collections will be presented throughout afternoon tea. Saturday seatings are at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., with hats on display until 5:30, and Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Live music and informal modeling will round out the festivities. The cost of the tea is $35. Call 312-573-6760 for reservations, which are required.