Red Dress Run celebrates 30 years of fun, helping community

The 30th-annual Red Dress Run will take place Saturday morning in the French Quarter. It's an event that attracts thousands from all across Louisiana and the United States.

In fact, the group that hosts the event is tailor-made for the Crescent City.

"Just having fun and being part of something good: I think New Orleans is the perfect location for this," Bill Healy, the general manager of the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, said. "People love having a good time, and New Orleans is the kind of city that embraces this kind of silliness."

For three decades, people have flocked to the French Quarter in their finest red dresses to help the New Orleans Hash House Harriers raise money for local organizations through registration fees and donations. According to Healy, the organization has provided grants to local charities over the years, all while allowing men and women alike to get in touch with their feminine sides.

"To date, we've given away about $2.5 million," Healy said, noting that some individual grants are worth six figures. "Anywhere to $150,000 to $250,000 (or) $300,000," he noted.

Healy says if you love a good time and embracing a little silliness, this is the event for you.

"Just grab something comfortable, a light red dress, and come join us," Healy said. "Put on some tennis shoes, and come have some fun. We're going to have lots of beer, lots of food, (and) lots of music. It's going to be a big party out in Crescent Park."

Registration for the run is still open. If you don't want to participate in the run itself but still take part in the fun, you can make a donation through the Hash House Harriers' website. In addition, non-profit organizations may apply for grants through the Hash House Harriers' website. To register, to donate, or to apply for a grant, click here.