Head-turning hats return to Arkansas Derby
After missing out in 2020, race fans were allowed back into the Arkansas Derby on Saturday, and the traditional ladies’ hats, both big and small, could be seen all over Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
Last year, due to the pandemic, the Derby was moved to May 2 and the grandstand and the infield were empty. Such was not the case on Saturday, as race fans flocked to the grandstands and the infield.
Over the past half-decade, two of the most attention-getting women in attendance at the Derby have been sisters-in-law Leslie and Kel
ly Murray, who have an annual tradition involving outlandish hats.
“We make each other’s hats,” Kelly Murray said, noting that no matter how crazy the hat is, “the other one has to wear it.”
The Murrays have created each other’s hats for six years now, though this was only the fifth time they have gotten to show off each other’s work.
“We didn’t get to do it last year,” Kelly said, because the race was closed to the public.
Leslie Murray was wearing a had decorated to look like a casino, while Kelly Murray was wearing one with a replica of the racetrack on top of it.
“I make hers tacky. Leslie makes mine more classy,” Kelly Murray said.
“We have so much fun,” Leslie Murray said. While they were speaking with a reporter from The Sentinel-Record, numerous people stopped and asked the two if they could take photos of their hats, and the Murrays cheerfully posed for everyone.
Another person who said they were excited after missing out in 2020 was Kimberlee Eaton, director of human resources at Oaklawn. Eaton said that she started working at the casino in late 2019. Wearing a big purple hat, Eaton said that she donned the hat because she “just wanted to be part of it.”
Christina Yingling, of North Little Rock, also said that this was her first Derby. Wearing a golden hat, she said that she decided to finally attend the race because of the warm weather, and because “I love to take pictures.” Yingling was one of the people who would soon after ask the Murrays for a photo of their elaborate hats.
Lynn DeJarnette, who noted that she was wearing a Lagniappe hat, said that she has attended the race for many years. “I just love the Arkansas Derby, it’s so eventful.”
Oaklawn employee Lenae Urban was sporting a purple hat with flowers on it. Noting that this was her 18th year at the Derby, Urban said, “I just love to look fancy. It gives me an excuse to be extra.”
Shohreh Gardner also noted that this wasn’t her first time attended, though she did reflect on her first Derby. “First time I came down here, I didn’t know what to expect,” Gardner said. She said that she found “all these beautiful, big hats.”
“So every year I get a different hat,” Gardner said, noting “so I have a large collection.”
Sisters Angela Smith and Dr. Michelle Owens were also wearing large hats. Smith said that “Our mother is actually from Kentucky.”
“Southern girls, Southern tradition,” Owens said.
Taylor Lewis also spoke about the tradition when asked why she was wearing a large purple hat. “It’s a tradition,” she said, adding that it is “an amazing feeling to be a part of tradition.” Lewis said that she attends the Derby “every year since I was a child.”