ARLINGTON — A silly hat makes everything more fun.

At least that was the idea behind the most recent Old Bags of Arlington meeting.

“I suggested that The Old Bags have a hat decorating contest in order to put a little more zing in our meetings,” said member Judi Martin. “Most of us took the month of February to complete ours. Some gals didn’t need that long.”(Order photo reprints.)

The group of women, who raise money to benefit local children, families and other charities, sported zany hats for their March 5 meeting at the American Legion hall.

Arlington Mayor Margaret Larson was on hand to name the winner, and gave that honor to club member Etta “Babe” Melhart for her entry.

“We all knew that it would be a challenge to beat her at her own game,” Martin said. “This contest was made for her, because she thrives on costume, spoof and elaborate decoration.”

Contestants used flowers, feathers, pins, jewelry, cooking utensils, moose and duck calls, flags, fishing lure, model airplanes and even fake food to decorate their hats, Martin said.

There were no rules or restrictions, but Martin joked with members that she would hold entries to her strict “hat decorating approved materials list.”

“I later rescinded my announcement,” she said.

Martin added that Larson was a good sport and a welcome addition to the group, and hinted that the mayor may one day join the group of women.

“We certainly would love to have her among us,” Martin said.

The Old Bags of Arlington conducts a number of raffle sales and raises funds from bake sales throughout the year.