Derby hats

I wanted to post on the history of the phenomenon that is Kentucky Derby hats, as the world will be watching us closely here in Louisville tomorrow for the best two minutes in sports. It is on this day that after two weeks of local folks partying (starting with Thunder Over Louisville, the Great Steamboat Race, and a gluttony of other events) we put off all other important weekend plans, drink mint juleps, and act like we're experts on horse racing for the day, all while celebreties flock to our fine city. In fact, this year the Queen! of! England! is here. At any rate, part of the Derby tradition is the donning of elaborate hats, the likes that no one would ever wear any other time of the year. I was, however, unable to find any information on the history of this tradition. Even Wikipedia let me down on this one. As a good citizen of Louisville, I feel I should know already. What I do know is this year I got sucked into Derby hat fever and made my own. I planned on making this hat from Interweave Crochet anyway, so I decided to adorn it with a daisy chain while I was at it. I didn't use the cotton that the pattern called for, but Cotton Classic from Tahki - Stachy Charles, which I bought at Sophie's Fine Yarn Shoppe. The staff there was super helpful in finding a substitute yarn for the Debbie Bliss Cotton that the pattern called for, but they didn't carry. I can't say the same for other shops in town (really, they'll remain unnamed). The hat was fairly quick to make; I think I did it in 4 or 5 hours, and I love it. After Derby, the flowers come off and I'll wear it all summer.
Happy Derby, everyone! I'll start the partying after I get off work tomorrow...