Grand opening Thursday for new Dayton hat shop

DAYTON ― Brim, a new hat shop at 464 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District, will host a grand opening from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Brim stocks more than 500 hats in classic and contemporary styles by a dozen different producers. It is owned by Brian Eastman, a minister at Beaver United Church of Christ, and Amelia O’Dowd, who has a background in fiber art.

The couple was inspired to open the store after living in Boston near a similar shop, according to a news release from the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

Thursday’s grand opening will include a “Mad Hatter Tea Party” with teas from Ghostlight Coffee, accompanied by jazz and swing music. Attendees decked out as an Alice in Wonderland character will receive a 10 percent discount.

“This new business adds to what has become a strong retail center downtown while enhancing the Oregon District’s eclectic mix of dining, shopping and entertainment,” Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, said in a news release. “Not only that, but Brim’s owners have transformed a building that once was an eyesore to an attractive downtown destination.”

Brim’s owners are planning to offer hat-themed parties, as well as hat-making and decorating workshops. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call (937) 222-4287 or go to www.brimonfifth.com or

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