Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Hundreds of people decked out in their finest derby attire filled The Woodlands club in Falmouth this evening for the fabulous Mad Hatter Affair benefit for the Maine Historical Society.

The evening began with party-goers gathered around a wide-screen TV to watch the action from Churchill Downs. Here the crowd reacts as Super Saver defies the muddy track and wins the 136th Kentucky Derby. The Run for the Roses was over in a flash, but the party was just picking up steam.

The bar was slinging mint juleps - plus a signature Mad Hatter Martini courtesy of Cold River Vodka - and the silent auction bidding out on the deck was getting competitive. Following the cocktail hour, those who wished joined in the Hat Parade in the ballroom and promenaded around the dance floor for the judges. Here's just a glimpse of the Hat Parade line-up:

In the tux and top hat above is Tom Newhall, who later went on to win for Male Most Historical. Jo Marsanskis won for Female Most Historical, and winning for Most Hysterical in the male and female divisions were Lonnie Leeman and Jacqueline Mylroie. The top entrants in the Hat Parade all took home an official bottle of the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 136 bourbon.

Here's Lonnie wearing his prizewinning lobster hat, which he made at the Mad Hatter hat-making party held a couple weekends ago at Harmon & Barton's. He's standing with Cornelia Robinson, Eric Baxter, Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess, Doug Stewart and Sara Montgomery.

Putting on a party like this takes a lot of volunteer help and a core group of dedicated individuals, which this year included Marketing Manager Elizabeth Nash, Executive Director Richard D'Abate, Event Chair Aynne Doil and her son Ryan Doil. They did an amazing job.

I'll have more details about the soiree, the hats and the people who wore them in the May 9 edition of the Maine Sunday Telegram. Until then, I hope to see you out and about.

About the Author

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Avery Yale Kamila dishes about southern Maine's hottest parties.

Avery can be contacted at 791-6297 or akamila@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @AveryYaleKamila

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