By AML Publisher
Photos by Bernadette Uzcategui

Jen McGowan of Wayne’s Jackie’s Hat Box models one of her elegant creations. McGowan is spearheading the 2009 Ladies’ Day Hat Contest at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

It’s one of the great traditions of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair—and now show organizers, with the assistance of AroundMainLine.com, are bringing the annual Ladies’ Day at Devon Hat Contest to another level!Lovely ladies (young, old and every age in between) can show off their fun, personable and eclectic style at the Main Line hat event of the year on Wednesday May 27th from 1-3pm on the Horse Show grounds. From Center City fashionistas (SJP fan alert!) to ‘rad’ Radnor Hunt fans, fashion forward Main Line moms and their teenage daughters, and everyone in between-all are encouraged to sashay out to Devon for some serious hat fashion competition.

Jen McGowan, CEO of Jackie’s Hat Box and PR director of this year’s hat contest, recommends bringing the ‘hat courage’ to all the ladies who will be showcasing their best. “Ladies’ Day at Devon is just great; I absolutely love this event and always thought it brought out part of the great intrigue and culture that just makes Devon so very special. Carson Kressley will be a judge, Dawn Timmeney from NBC10 and Caroline O’ Halloran from Main Line Suburban News. We’ve had the hat competition for over five years and I was so excited to spearhead it this year because I really feel it’s due time to take it up a notch,” enthused McGowan.

AroundMainLine.com is the online media sponsor of the contest-which promises a fabulous afternoon for the gorgeous and gregarious gals of the Main Line. Pictured is Natasha Bolis of Berwyn, modeling a hat courtesy of Jackie’s Hat Box.

The Hat Contest at Devon attracts some of the most fascinating fashion combinations as well as some of the most creative homemade and handmade chapeaux! While fierce competitors spend weeks and months designing their masterpieces, all Devon beauties– young and not so young — are encouraged to wear something little (or big) to accent their outfit. This year’s three categories are: “Best Botanical” which covers all things flowers, “Most Creative” which is usually something crafted at home and in keeping with the equestrian theme and “Most Glamorous from Hat to Toe”-a category covering color combinations and thoughtful matching of hat to outfit.

Janet Heaton, Senior Chair of Promotions for the Devon Country Fair, is anticipating an animated competition and a fun afternoon with the irrepressible Kressley as a first-time judge. Heaton says the tradition of Devon and Ladies’ Day makes for a creative and visually appealing event. “The Ladies’ Day was always in conjunction with the ladies side saddle competition. All of the women came beautifully dressed from head to toe, hence the idea came about for the contest. There have been many elaborate home-made styles in the past including turf, moving parts, little horse figurines, live flowers and much more! Gorgeous hats purchased locally and across the country have made their debut at the annual hat contest as well. We love to see all of the different styles and creativity. It’s a real crowd pleaser.”

It’s going to be the most competitive fashion competition for hat lovers of all ages at Devon ever -The Ladies’ Day Hat Contest 2009! Photography courtesy of Bryn Mawr’s Bernadette Uzcategui, BUP Photography

The three lucky winners of the Ladies’ Day Hat Contest will be treated to a private Cartier Champagne reception in the grandstands with the three judges, at 2 p.m. When participants arrive at the grounds, there will be several lovely hatted ladies waiting just within the gates, ready to lead contestants to the pavilion where the contest will be held. AroundMainLine.com, online media sponsor of the event, will have a sign and staffers as well directing the attendees to the competition area. Registration begins at 1 p.m. sharp and judging will start at 1:30. Judges Kressley, O’Halloran and Se will be circulating and chatting up all the contestants, so those competing should be ready to show off their marvelous millinery! The winners of each category will be announced at 2pm.

Ladies’ Day Hat Contest 2009 Details

When: Wednesday May 27th 1-3pm. *JUDGING BEGINS AT 1:30pm*Winners will be announced at 2pm.

Where: Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Grounds, Lancaster Avenue, Devon, PA (www.thedevonhorseshow.org)

Categories: “Best Botanical”, “Most Creative”, and “Most Glamorous from Hat to Toe”

Judges: Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and QVC, Caroline O’Halloran of Main Line Media News, Ralph Lauren’s Cristiane Sa

Winners Perks: A luxe Cartier Champagne private party with the judges immediately following in the grandstands.

Why Participate: To Flaunt Your Fashionable Self at Ladies’ Day at Devon 2009!

All ages and styles are welcome–and do not be shy about wowing the crowd and judges! Event organizers encourage all ladies participating to bring your most magnificent millinery, sass and sensational creativity for the judges and horse show fans to enjoy.

For more information on the 2009 Ladies’ Day Hat contest, please contact Jen McGowan at jenmcgowan@msn.com or 610.254.0220. For a full feature on McGowan’s custom millinery business, Jackie’s Hat Box, click here.