Maridon Museum supporters Dale Pinkerton, left, Anne Thomson and Jack Beiler model hats they are likely to wear to the museum's Mad Hatter's Summer Social. The fundraising event will be held Aug. 6 at Roebling Park in Saxonburg.

Maridon volunteers are using their heads this season for a museum fundraising event.

The Mad Hatter's Summer Social Aug. 6 in Roebling Park, Saxonburg, will also employ the heads of guests as they wear a variety of colorful hats.

The $25 admission will include a buffet lunch, hand-dipped sundaes and music by the Jim Cunningham Trio, which includes a trumpet, keyboard and drums.

Those not wearing hats will be charged an extra $5, and hats can be rented for $3.

"We choose the hat," said Sandra Lafe, museum executive director, of the rental hat selections — promising to select unlikely choices for the hat renters.

Lafe said coordinators decided on a playful fundraiser to help dispel the myth that museums are only for somber guests.

"Basically, it's like museums are serious places. Museums are for older people, for rich people — for upscale people," she said.

"Those are misconceptions."

"We're always looking for something new for fundraisers, because it's getting pretty old," said Ida Findley, a museum volunteer who came up with the idea.

The hat idea also succeeds at incorporating men, Findley said.

Lafe said holding the tent-covered event in Saxonburg will enforce the idea the Maridon can be enjoyed by those living beyond Butler's borders.

"We get people from Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. It's a regional museum. It's not just for the town of Butler."

As well as the musical entertainment, the Mad Hatter's Summer Social will include a Celebrities in Hats Promenade and prizes in various hat categories.

Attendees will have an opportunity to donate to the museum beyond the cost of a ticket.

Contributions can be made for $250 at the Top Hat and Tails level, $100 at the Mad Hatter's Club level and $50 at the Hats Off level.

Findley said since the museum is a nonprofit, fundraisers are a necessary way to enlist community support.

"Admission charges don't even pay for electricity," she noted. "We try to have three or four (fundraisers) a year to keep the support up."

<B>WHAT:</B> Maridon Museum Mad Hatter's Summer Social with lunch, entertainment, prizes and a Celebrities in Hats Promenade.<B>WHEN:</B> 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 6<B>WHERE:</B> Roebling Park, Saxonburg<B>COST:</B> $25 or $30 for those not wearing a hat<B>INFO:</B> Reservations may be made by calling 724-282-0123 by Aug. 3.