- May 18, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Mara MacKenzie won the award for the "most creatively elegant" hat.
Photo by Ian SwabyDavid Jabara talks with Maria Valente and her partner Patrick Jackson.
Photo by Ian SwabyLynne McLeod, Joanne Madeley and Liz Desrosiers watch the musical performance together.
Photo by Ian SwabyParticipants in the hat contest walk across the room, with Michelle Nixon in front.
Photo by Ian SwabyElizabeth Sudarov won the award for the "most extravagant" hat.
Photo by Ian SwabyKaren Hall and her partner Paul Voloshen watch the musical performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyChristine Ofarrill and Dave Bastian enjoy a seat in the lounge.
Photo by Ian SwabyLynn Rinehart and Patricia Albertin enjoyed spending time together.
Photo by Ian SwabyJoe Bruno, Sr. and Wayne Pearson perform with Eddie Kinder & the 151 Band.
Photo by Ian SwabyRayray Banks, Susanne Reisinger and Pia Simonson gather together at a table.
Photo by Ian SwabyMusician Eddie Kinder makes a call for the raffle.
Photo by Ian SwabyPatricia Albertin applauds during the hat contest.
Photo by Ian SwabyRobyn 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.
