Hats On For The Lyzon

This Saturday, May 4, countless ladies and gents will don their best in celebration of The Kentucky Derby, a traditional horse race held in Louisville, KY at Churchill Downs. The derby marks more than the stomping of horseshoes, it brings rise to fashion at its finest. Most notable, big brimmed hats. According to the Kentucky Derby website, founding father of the race Colonel M. Lewis Clark Jr. envisioned the stands filled with style and elegance, a true place to be seen.

It should come as no surprise that Hampton Bays has a scene of its own with the “Hats On For The Lyzon” Derby Party on Derby Day from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. It will be held on the grounds of the Lyzon Hat Shop. The building once sold one-of-a-kind hats by famous milliner Walter King. Dating back to the 1850s, it is now run by the Hampton Bays Historical and Preservation Society, where it is used as a museum and exhibition room, and the place for such events.

Part of the day’s festivities will include live music by Ken Ellis and catering by Golden Pear. Drinks of wine and beer will be available or guests are invited to partake in a traditional, frosty mint julep in a souvenir glass. As the derby is televised live under a tent, there will be continued fun with Derby Trivia games, best hat contest, and door prizes.

“The Kentucky Derby is famous for the exotic ‘derbies.’ It is a natural fit for us to celebrate their tradition,” said Brenda Sinclair Berntson, president of the Hampton Bays Historical and Preservation Society. “As the popularity of women’s hats waned, often attributed to the use of hairspray, the size of Kentucky Derby’s grew. The more exotic and stylish the better. At our Derby Party, we like to remember our milliner Walter King and his dedication to style.”

Roughly 75 guests are expected to turn out for the event. Big hats and bowties are encouraged.

Funds raised will go towards the operations of historic buildings The Prosper King House, The Canoe Place Chapel, and the Lyzon Hat Shop, in addition to the preservation of archival donations.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.hamptonbayshistoricalsociety.org. Tickets will be held at the door. Lyzon Hat Shop is located at 116 Main Street in Hampton Bays.

nicole@indyeastend.com