As usual, Opening Day at the Del Mar Races will be filled with fancy hats, but this year those toppers may be more top-notch than ever as the track’s famous Hats Contest celebrates its 20th anniversary.
On Thursday, July 17, the Opening Day Hats Contest will bring ornate, over-the-top hat fashion to the seaside track.
Contestants will compete in five hat categories: “Best Racing Theme”; “Funniest/Most Outrageous”; “Best Flowers/All Others”; “Most Glamorous”; and “Best Fascinator.”
The winner of each category will receive a $300 prize, plus a $100 gift certificate from Studio Savvy salon. Second place in each category wins $200 and third place walks away with $100.
On top of that, the winner of the coveted Bing Crosby Grand Prize will receive a two-night stay at The Grand Del Mar, plus a fancy dinner for two valued at more than $1,000 and a $500 gift certificate from The Village Hat Shop.
Competitors will parade their cranium creations from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Plaza de Mexico inside the Stretch Run admission gates, near the large fountain. NBC7.com will offer a live stream of some of those incredible hats.
According to organizers, the Opening Day Hats Contest was officially established in 1995. Each year, the competition is fierce with hardcore hat enthusiasts turning out by the droves to show off their creations. Many spend months meticulously designing that perfect hat to flawlessly match their Opening Day attire.
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For more details on the 2014 Del Mar Racing season, click here.
