by John Manzi, for Historic Track
Goshen, NY — Each year since 2015 Goshen Historic Track has held a fundraising promotion of simulcasting the Kentucky Derby.
Geri Schwarz photo
Derby Day hat contest winner Crystal Martinez of Middletown, N.Y.
Along with setting up a huge tent on the racetrack, hiring a good local band and offering delicious food and spirits, as well as pony rides and other entertainment for children, would make an entertaining afternoon prior to running of the Kentucky Derby.
And for many the most entertaining time before the Derby simulcast is the Historic Landmark’s presentation of their hat contest.
“Ladies attending the Kentucky Derby are noted for sporting their finest in head-ware and we thought that by having a hat contest prior to showing the running of the Kentucky Derby would be an interesting aspect to the festivities of the afternoon here at Goshen,” noted track photographer Geri Schwarz. “And each year it seems we get more entrants and the hat contests are among the most popular aspects of the day.”