Note: This article has been edited to reflect the Iris Festival’s cancellation.
Flowers—and hats—will be in bloom on May 14. The Old City Hall Restoration Project Committee will host its 2nd Annual Hats in Bloom floral hat exhibition and contest.
The OCH Committee invites flower hat crafters, fashioners, families, local garden clubs, floral crafters, artists, teachers and their students to design and create hats made from living flowers and greenery to compete in the Hats In Bloom floral hat exhibit and contest. All flowering Hats in Bloom will be placed on display for public viewing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All application fees and proceeds collected during Hats in Bloom are tax deductible and benefit the City of Bordentown to continue restoration projects in the historic building, located at 13 Crosswicks St.To commemorate the iris festival, the Iris Hat award ($25) will go to the best use of iris flowers in a hat design. Monetary prizes will also be awarded in the following categories: Best in Show ($100), Most Original Idea ($25), Over-the-Top Hat ($25) and Kids Award (ages 6 to 12, $25).
A well-informed group of local gardeners and OCH Committee members will judge all entries. Visitors to the exhibit can cast their ballots for their favorite hat, and these ballots will be tabulated and added to the Best In Show award.Judging will take place at 2:30, and winners will be announced at an award ceremony at 4:30 p.m. The Old City Hall is open during the Iris Festival and the public is invited to attend the award ceremony.All hats entered must be fashioned using living flowers and plant materials whenever possible. While silk flowers and artificial elements are accepted, the panel of judges expects living blooms and real greenery. A $5 entry fee and application form are required for each hat entered in the contest. For children 6-12, the entry fee is $2 and a parent or guardian must sign the application.“The Old City Hall Committee is a group of local residents dedicated to providing a dynamic historic resource that promotes experiences and special events that enrich the lives of our visitors and community,” said Committee Co-Chair Carol Hill. “There is still a lot more to do at the building and work is always in the planning. During 2016 a service kitchen should be completed that will enable us to begin promoting the building as a rental resource for special events. Historic Bordentown is beautifully situated along the scenic Delaware River and is fast-becoming an oasis for those who love good food, art, architecture, history and nature—a wonderful place to visit during the Iris Festival or anytime of the year.”For details, an event prospectus and entry application, please contact Vicki Gaudier, event coordinator, at (609) 203-0541, or email vgaudier@verizon.net. The Old City Hall Restoration Committee welcomes residents to consider volunteering on the Committee. If you would like to join a productive community group, The Old City Hall Restoration Committee meets on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old City Hall.For more information on the Iris Festival, visit
downtownbordentownassociation.com
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