DEL MAR – The 32nd annual Opening Day Hats Contest at Del Mar drew more than 150 contestants, who competed for more than $5,000 in cash and prizes.
Categories included Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers, and Best Racing/All Others themes. Contestants
The Grand Prize winner was Chun-Mae Hauschka of Laguna Niguel who competed in the Best Fowers category, and won a two-night stay, two tickets to a theatre show, $500 meal credit and $500 in free play at Yaamava’ Resort and Casino, including a one-night stay and meal for two at Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, and a $500 Studio Savvy Salon gift basket. The grand prize is worth more than $2,500.
Hauschka wore her hand-made creation with oversized star-spangled blooms and flag-print roses in bold red, white, and blue. Her bouquet was crowned with a “Happy Birthday America” medallion celebrating the USA’s 250th. The dramatic scale, crisp patriotic palette, and handcrafted florals impressed the judges. Hauschka says she is grateful to be a naturalized U.S. citizen, and a proud American.
First place in the category of Most Glamorous went to Aimee Fuller of San Diego. Fuller studied aerodynamics while crafting this feathered masterpiece — a cascade of red, white, and blue plumes rising skyward, while accented with silver stars. Her hat was paired with a bold scarlet gown and a sparkling star clutch.
First place in Fascinator went to Kelly Brown of Newport. Handcrafted by Brown, this red, white, and blue feathered creation honors her son who is serving in the U.S. Army, and celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Her hat was accented by a striking blue lace gown to complete her patriotic palette that impressed the judges.
First place in Best Racing theme went to Julie Karcsay from Cardiff by the Sea. A Del Mar teacher, Karcsay spent 50 hours crafting this turquoise wave, crowned with a galloping racehorse and jockey mid-stride. Paired with a crisp white eyelet dress and a horse bit detailed handbag topped with its own charging steed.
