Troy Will Be Known as Ginger City, USA on October 1

 A small upstate city will have a new moniker this fall, by mayoral proclamation: on Oct. 1, Troy, NY shall be known as "Ginger City, USA."

The date marks the second annual "Night of the Walking Red" event at Brown's Brewing Co. designed by The League of Extraordinary Red Heads, a highly visible collective of red-haired denizens headquartered in the small Hudson River city.

"The City of Troy embraces its diverse population and fun-loving characters," said Mayor Lou Rosamilia. "We have do seem to have an unusually high number red heads in our midst here, and they certainly brighten up the place."

The fiery festivities of Oct. 1 feature an autumnal rite at Brown's Brewing Company, known as the "Toast of Coppertops," during which members of The League of Extraordinary Red Heads raise glasses of locally crafted Pumpkin Ale from the first batch of the season. As is their custom, the League will also discuss the items on their concise meeting agenda: "1) Us. 2) Them."

Though the highly visible group assembles suddenly in public spaces, not much is known of the inner workings or its true purpose. It purports to be "a social get-together for those with reddish hair" and those who love them, but some suspect it may be a secret society with plans for world domination. These conspiracy theories are bolstered by the fact that red heads comprise only 2 percent of the human population, and yet -- for scientifically unexplained reasons -- their ranks include a disproportionally high number of prominent figures, including world leaders, famous authors and celebrity actors.

"Because we always stand out, red heads can never hide in a crowd or at the back of the classroom," said Duncan Crary, founder of The League of Extraordinary Red Heads. "So we learn to have fun under scrutiny. Some people call that being 'fiery,' and we do tend to be an excitable bunch. That may be the reason why so many prominent figures in history have had crimson locks."

The League of Extraordinary Red Heads formed in a flash in Troy on Jan. 30, 2013 and quickly earned the rank of No. 7 in the world for "Best Redheaded Gatherings of 2013" according to social media website, BuzzFeed. Crary said each of the League's previous three gatherings attracted more than 120 red-haired participants. Gatherings are always social, though one featured Scotland-based filmmaker Scott Harris for a screening of his smash hit documentary film "Being Ginger" in April, 2013.

LoERH: ONE THOUSAND GINGERS, BRING IT!

This Oct. 1, The League hopes to attract the largest attendance yet.

"If a thousand gingers descend upon dear old Troy, we'll be ready for them in 'Ginger City, USA,'" Crary said.

One downtown hotel, Franklin Square Inn and Suites, is even offering a special $99 room rate for redheaded travelers on Oct. 1. (Ask for the Red Head Rate.) And participating local businesses will be offering "Ginger Discounts" for those brandishing League of Extraordinary Red Heads "Member" cards (which are distributed free during events). Brown's Brewing Co. will be serving "Wholly Mosses Pumpkin Ale" brewed locally with pumpkins from the Mosses Farm (as in the family of the late American painter "Grandma Mosses") of Eagle Bridge, N.Y. There will be a special ginger and pumpkin themed menu. Other features will be added and announced on the fly.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to "join" the facebook event so organizers can better prepare for the expected crowd. https://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfExtraordinaryRedheads

DETAILS:

The League of Extraordinary Red Heads Presents:
"Night of the Walking Red” & “Toast of the Coppertops”
An Autumnal Rite with “Wholly Mosses Pumpkin Ale”
Oct. 1, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. Start | Free Admission
Brown’s Brewing Co. 417 River Street, Troy NY