Hats off to Ocean Beach Woman’s Club, which is presenting its third annual fundraising Hat Contest on Thursday, April 6. The event is free, open to the public and everyone is invited to enter the contest, which will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Dirty Birds, 1929 Cable St. Men are also invited and encouraged to compete.
“I’ve always thought the Hat Contest was akin to a float in the parade – but much easier to pull off,” said Susan Winkie, OBWC event coordinator who MC’d last year’s contest. “You can still show off your creativity and even win a prize. It’s just a lot of silly, colorful, and community fun, but without all the work.”

Added Winkie: “The contest grows every year. Last year, a little girl competed, and a record number of men. In fact, the 2022 Most OBcean Sash was awarded to Dan Dennison. We had people show up just to marvel at all the creations and cast their votes. It’s just a great, festive community get-together with ‘hats.’”

The three winning categories are Most Obcean, Most Original, and Most Nostalgic “Ode to Mae” (celebrating OBWC’s garden history). A new judging category, Most Luminous, has been added to this year’s contest mix commemorating the debut of the OB’s first Luminosity Festival, a drone and laser light show to replace the fireworks on Independence Day.

The inspiration for the Hat Contest came from a book by Kathy Blavatt: “Ocean Beach: Where Land and Water Meet.” On page 115 is a photo of Mae Clarke wearing a tall, elaborately decorated floral hat circa 1960. It was that image that led the club to revive the tradition and update it for the 21st century.

Besides fundraising, Winkie said the event serves a more important purpose within the community. “We make a little money but it is doing something fun and helps us return back to the community, which is the main point,” she said.

Alexandra Watkins, a former Hat Contest participant, gave her thoughts about the event. “The Hat Contest is a fun way for our community to express their creativity,” she said. “Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if that’s just showing up to have a good time and vote for your favorite silly and sensational hats. We have five ‘hategories’ this year including Most Luminous. The evening will be a festive atmosphere that puts a fresh spin on an old tradition and lets people connect with members and friends of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club outside of our clubhouse.”

Whether people come to complete, vote, have fun or all three at the annual Hat Contest, everyone is given a silent ballot to choose their contest favorites in each category. Winners earn the coveted 2023 category sash and the challenge of coming back to defend it in 2024.

OCEAN BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB

Established in 1924, Ocean Beach Woman’s Club has served the beach community for nearly a century. Today, OBWC continues to support the community through philanthropy. In the past, OBWC has supported numerous organizations including OB Library, OB Historical Society, OB Scholarship Fund, Fostering Opportunities Scholarships, Dana Instrumental Music Association, Pioneer School, OB Elementary, First Friday Music Club, OB Recreation Center, Spay-Neuter Action Program, and Urban Surf 4 Kids.
Some historical club milestones:
– 1929 the OBWC planted trees and shrubs on five streets in OB;
– 1939 the OBWC was instrumental in getting lifeguards year-round;
– 1942 after Pearl Harbor the OBWC created a Servicemen’s Club that was open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day providing food and rest for the service members guarding the ocean front;

– 1946 the OBWC helped establish the Youth Center;
– The OBWC was instrumental in establishing the library; and
– OBWC also worked to get roads paved, trash removal service and park maintenance.
For information on membership and events, visit oceanbeachwomansclub.org.