HATS IN THE BELFRY SPONSORS A HAT CONTEST AT THE MARLBOROUGH HUNT RACES THIS WEEK

Jen Trent, manager of Hats in the Belfry, organizes straw models in the Main Street Shop.

The Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown will have its first ladies hat contest. It will take place on April 9 - the gates open at 10 a.m. and admission is $5 per person. The hat competition will be judged from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. No prior registration is required for the contest. Sponsored by Hats in the Belfry of Annapolis, the contest will award prizes in three hat categories: most creative, most elegant and best country theme (has a Milli Award ring to me). Winners will receive gift certificates to the store.

"The Brits always have cool hats at their horse events so why shouldn't we?" said Wendy Marxen, a spokesman for Roedown.

If you would like to read the article printed online at The Capital, read on:

Roedown races to have ladies' hat competition
By VANESSA FRANKO Staff Writer

Unpack that frilly Easter bonnet a little bit early this year because it's going to the races.

For the first time in the history of the Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown, organizers will judge a ladies' hat competition.

The 32nd annual running of the races takes place on April 9. It is an area tradition that's often associated with extravagant tailgate feasts.

This year, however, organizers hope fancy chapeaus will add to the fun at the Davidsonville event.

"The Brits always have cool hats at their horse events so why shouldn't we?" said Wendy Marxen, a spokesman for Roedown.

Sponsored by Annapolis shop Hats in the Belfry, the contest will award prizes in three hat categories: most creative, most elegant and best country theme. The prizes are gift certificates to the Main Street store.

"Anyone can do it who's got creativity," Ms. Marxen said.

Whether the head topper is piled high with ribbons and flowers or it's a 10-gallon hat straight out of Texas, experts said that it all comes down to individual taste.

"Everybody wants to be unique," said Sandi Bressi-Milliken of Crownsville, owner of Keepsakes & Kollectibles.

Her home-based shop is stocked with red headwear geared toward members of the Red Hat Society. "I try to get more of a simple hat so they can take accessories and make the hat their own."

Ms. Bressi-Milliken has focused on Victorian hats for the spring.

"Hats totally change your personality," said Jen Trent, manager at Hats in the Belfry. "If you're not comfortable, you're not going to wear it."

She said the most important thing is to try a hat on before buying.

Ms. Trent said horse races like the Preakness Stakes and the Kentucky Derby attract customers looking for hats with big brims and adornments like flowers.

"It's a good thing to introduce into your wardrobe for the summer because of sun protection," she said.

Ms. Trent said customers tend to go for hats that are lightweight, crushable and packable.

"I'm hoping people will get excited about it and do some fun hats," she said.

The Marlborough Hunt Races at Roedown will take place on April 9. Gates open at 10 a.m. General parking is $20 per car and admission is $5 per person. The hat competition will be judged from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. No prior registration is required for the contest. For The Capital, Annapolis, Md.