Del Mar's 2014 Opening Day Hats Contest Marks Its 20th Anniversary in Grandiose Fashion

Opening Day at Del Mar, Thursday, July 17, marks the 20th anniversary of its long-standing tradition, The Opening Day Hats Contest. This year’s Hats Contest is expected to bring even more ornate, whimsical and over-the-top hat fashion to the famous seaside racetrack.

Officially established in 1995, the Opening Day Hats Contest competition remains fierce each year as many serious hat enthusiasts spend months meticulously designing the perfect topper to complement their Opening Day attire. The five hat categories that contestants can sign-up for include: Best Racing Theme, Funniest/Most Outrageous, Most Glamorous, Best Flowers/All Others, and Best Fascinator. Julie Sarno, who was there at the event’s inception, will again serve as the Hats Contest coordinator this year.

Each of the categories has a $300 plus $100 gift certificate prize from salon sponsor, Studio Savvy, following $200 for second and $100 for third. The prizes combined total is valued at $5,000. Additionally, the coveted Bing Crosby Grand Prize winner will receive a two-night stay at The Grand Del Mar plus dinner for two valued at more than $1,000, along with a $500 gift certificate from our local hat sponsor, The Village Hat Shop.

Racetrack goers and hat enthusiasts alike who wish to parade their creations and participate in the contest, can head over to Plaza de Mexico located inside Stretch Run admission gates. Entries are taken from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. around the large fountain.

The Del Mar summer meet opens on Thursday, July 17 and runs through Wednesday, Sept. 3. Racing takes place Wednesdaythrough Sunday with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is shifted to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter and Instagram @DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DelMarRaces.

—The Del Mar Racetrack