Art Ovation Hotel celebrates Kentucky Derby with Derby Day

By Ian Swaby
| 7:30 a.m. May 5, 2025

Karen Hall and her partner Paul Voloshen watch the musical performance.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Robyn Holl, Cultural Curator at Art Ovation Hotel, said the public looks forward to coming back to Derby Day each year.

Now in its third year, the event, held May 3, offers a chance for the community to gather to watch the Kentucky Derby amid the atmosphere of the 1920s, with a jazz band and many participants bringing elegant hats.

The event featured live music by Eddie Kinder & the 151 Band, with a "dressed to impress contest" for the best hats or fascinators, and special menu items on offer, including mint juleps.

The race played on multiple screens in the hotel lounge.

Holl said although the fascinator workshop wasn't held, she's looking forward to bringing it back next year.

“Art Ovation’s signature is art and creativity, and good vibes, and the community, so we really wanted to bring Derby Day into the hotel as a kind of artful, sporting event,” Holl said.

Mara MacKenzie won the award for the "most creatively elegant" hat.

David Jabara talks with Maria Valente and her partner Patrick Jackson.

Lynne McLeod, Joanne Madeley and Liz Desrosiers watch the musical performance together.

Participants in the hat contest walk across the room, with Michelle Nixon in front.

Elizabeth Sudarov won the award for the "most extravagant" hat.

Christine Ofarrill and Dave Bastian enjoy a seat in the lounge.

Lynn Rinehart and Patricia Albertin enjoyed spending time together.

Joe Bruno, Sr. and Wayne Pearson perform with Eddie Kinder & the 151 Band.

Rayray Banks, Susanne Reisinger and Pia Simonson gather together at a table.

Musician Eddie Kinder makes a call for the raffle.

Patricia Albertin applauds during the hat contest.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.