One of our favorite events during the year is the Derby Hat Social, sponsored by the United Way of Sevier County. The Hat Social is a prelude to the Derby party next month and can help you get your style game ready for the races. Go and you are guaranteed to have fun! Here is what it was like this year…

Buy a ticket in advance or at the door. I loved the hats all lined up as I entered Courthouse Donuts!

This is the fifth year of the Derby Hat Social. I hope that there are many more. Here, United Way members and Executive Board members were already in the spirit of the event. Pictured from left to right: Paula King; Kathy Voncannon, Administrative Assistance; Emily Whaley; Amy Harper, Executive Director;  and Janice Bettis.

The Derby hats come from the Sassafras store at the Old Mill complex in Pigeon Forge.

I love the front windows facing the courthouse. The doughnuts are so good too.

Jodi Ramsey, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Director for Citizens National Bank, enjoyed the event with her mother, Sandy Sandiford.

There were more hats to choose from this year than ever before.

Some hats are beautifully whimsical.

Some hats are artful and sculptured. I think that Jackie Thurman looks good in every hat that she wears!

Jodie Eberhart looks Derby ready!

The big windows afford natural light for the buffet table. Nice!

Citizens National Bank supported the Derby Hat Social with style. Pictured here are Jodi Ramsey, Carrie Strickland, and Melissa Moon.

Come right after work and there will be ample refreshments to keep you going.

Couples can also enjoy the event and have fun! Corinne and Steve Hartford look dashing as they support the United Way of Sevier County.

My most important advice: arrive promptly at 5:00p.m. to have the best choice of hats! Set your purse on a table and go!

I love a ‘fascinator’ type of hat, but cannot usually wear it well. This one is adorable!

Another cute ‘fascinator’ style Derby hat. The advantage to this style is no messing up your hair. No flat hair.

The refreshments are always good at the Derby Hat Social. Enjoy!

It gets busy around the mirrors, but there is always someone to give you a second opinion on your hat or to take your picture. What fun!

There are hats for all kinds of tastes and generations!

This hat is lovely! It makes you wonder why hats have gone out of style.

Donna Huffaker and Lindsay Shanton enjoyed the event. They regularly support the United Way of Sevier County; in fact, Donna recently performed at Dancing With the Stars for the organization.

This was probably my favorite picture of the day! From left to right: Lindsay Shanton, Amber Atchely, Maggie Atchley, Mattox, Haley Davis, Jessie Blalock, and Jessica Will.

You don’t necessarily have to buy a hat at this event. Just come and have fun with your friends! However, if you don’t already own a Derby hat then you will find the best selection in East Tennessee. The Derby Hat Social certainly makes it convenient for those who would like to buy a hat. I already own two Derby hats, but this one really tempted me.

Part of the fun of a Derby Hat Social is taking pictures, sharing with friends or social media, or keeping a photo as a memory. I liked the drama of this entire outfit so I asked a young lady to help me take the picture. I applied an artistic filter with the Prisma app to give it an old world painting look.

Soon after, it was time for me to go.  I hated to leave so early and must stay longer next year!

The Derby Hat Social is a prelude to the Night at the Derby party on April 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Walters State Rel Maples Culinary Arts Building. There will be food, beverages, fun, and more! Emily Whaley told me that winners for each race will get to draw for prizes: a recliner, tickets to REO Speedwagon, a patio set, $$$, season tickets to Broadway shows at the Tennessee Theater, and more. There will be 15 food vendors there as well.

You can follow the event on Facebook at this link. https://www.facebook.com/events/2186103104977117/

‘Funny money’ auction items include bidding on a TV, overnight cabin rental with a catered dinner, zipline adventures, and more. It is sure to be one of the best events in April— so get ready. See you at the races!