Saratoga's annual Hat Contest helps cap off opening weekend excitement

The fashionable festivities at Saratoga were filled with excitement as the

Spa capped off its first weekend of the 144th summer meet with the 21st annual

Hat Contest on Sunday.

The millinery mayhem unfolded on the track apron Sunday afternoon when more

than 150 participants turned out to compete in the contest's three distinct

categories -- Uniquely Saratoga, Fashionably Saratoga and, for younger patrons,

Kreative Kids.

Following the day's 4TH race Julie Potter of Duanesburg, New York, was

crowned the winner of the day's most celebrated category, "Uniquely Saratoga,"

which recognizes whimsical and creative hats. Potter received the grand prize of

a $500 betting voucher, a $100 gift card to the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa and

a silver trophy.

The day's most popular category, "Fashionably Saratoga," brought 78 stylish

contestants to the competition each donning their most beautiful hats. Following

the 3RD race, Veronica Martin of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, was named the

day's most fashionable contestant and awarded a $100 betting voucher, a $100

gift card to the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa and a silver trophy.

Freya Smith of Fort Johnson, New York, came in second-place and Casey Coyle

of Saratoga Springs, New York, ranked third. Each took home a $50 gift card to

the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa and a silver trophy. Kelly Honsaker of

Schenectady, New York, received honorable mention and was awarded a $50 gift

certificate to Bomber's Burrito Bar.

Isabella Potter of Duanesburg, New York, the daughter of "Uniquely Saratoga"

first-place winner Julie Potter, finished in second-place followed by Mikayla

Schaefer of Schenectady, New York, in third-place. They each won Saratoga Race

Course merchandise and a $20 gift card to the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa.

The day's winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Kristi

Barlette, social media strategist and host of the Times Union lifestyle

blog "On the Edge;" Matt Baumgartner, local restaurateur and host of the blog

"Friday Puppy;" Mary Darcy, co-founder and editor of Capital Region website

AllOverAlbany.com; as well as Kevin Rush and Randi Tyler, co-hosts of the

Morning Crew Show on WRVE 99.5 The River.

The contest was emceed by NEWS 10 ABC meteorologist Kennie Berg.