Hat Contest Returns For Third Year

As racing enthusiasts gear up for the third and final jewel of racing's Triple Crown, Garden City, N.Y., welcomes a competition of a different kind on the eve of the Belmont Stakes -- the third annual "Hats Off To Garden City" hat contest on Friday, June 10.

The hat contest will be held in conjunction with Garden City's annual parade and street fair that is an integral part of the Belmont Festival, a month-long series of events and activities designed to celebrate the 137th running of the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the Triple Crown series. The $1 million Belmont Stakes, also known as the "Test of a Champion", will be run on Saturday, June 11, at Belmont Park in nearby Elmont, New York.

Continuing in the tradition made famous by the likes of the Kentucky Derby and Saratoga Race Course, the "Hats Off to Garden City" hat contest will feature the most creative, stylish and whimsical millinery fashions the world has to offer. The hat contest has become one of the signature events of the annual Belmont Festival.

Sponsored by The Island, a premiere Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, this year's hat contest will include opportunities for fashionistas and architects alike to win a variety of unique prizes.

Women and youngsters will clash in the heated competition for the titles of Whimsically Belmont, for the most unusual hats; Stylishly Garden City, for the most fashionable hats; and Triple Crown Creative Kids, designed specifically for children under 12 years of age "heady" enough to take part in this trendy affair.

Due to the expected high volume, contestants are encouraged to register early for the contest. Pre-registration forms are available at The Island and at the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. All registration the day of the contest will take place at 5 p.m. at the Village Green Gazebo.

All participating contestants will display their fashions for the judges at the Village Green Gazebo at 6 p.m., where prizes will be awarded prior to the annual Belmont Festival at Garden City parade.

Later, contest winners may need to hold onto their hats as they ride in Garden City's annual parade in a vehicle generously donated by Garden City Saab. A selection of Lilly Pulitzer fashions, available at The Island, will also be showcased in a convertible donated by Garden City Saab.

The parade will kick off Friday evening at 7 p.m. at 9th Street and Franklin Avenue and run south toward 7th Street before winding its way onto Hilton Avenue and concluding at the Village Green Gazebo.

Judges for this year's hat contest include: Bronwyn Hannon, the wife of Senator Kemp Hannon; Carol Mangels, owner of The Island; and Althea Robinson, executive director of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Belmont Festival at Garden City and the "Hats Off to Garden City" hat contest, contact Joanne K. Adams at (516) 248-7132. For more information about the 9th annual Belmont Festival and 137th running of the Belmont Stakes visit www.nyra.com.