The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted the third annual Bing Crosby season on Veterans Day. The occasion offered a special salute to all who had served or currently are serving in the military. In keeping with opening day tradition, a contest was offered for all race-goers – this year it was a Pinups for Patriots fashion contest. Additionally, this season all attendees were encouraged to participate in this Stars & Stripes fashion contest. Racegoers coordinated red, white, and blue creations, a Rosie-the-Riveter look, a fashionable camouflage dress, and best of all, an incorporation of the American flag into their look. The contest also included an entry for the best pin-up models. A little history: this term was first used in 1941 when soldiers and others “pinned” up pictures of beautiful and sexy models on their wall. You may remember Bettie Paige was coined as the “Queen of Pinups.” Many fashionistas came dressed in the pin-up look adorned with hair topped off with victory rolls. The first-place winner, Taylor Rendon, came with the classic look complete with an animal print dress, corset and black furry heels. She received a $400 cash prize and a Studio Savvy gift basket valued at $250. The winner of both the most patriotic category and the Bing Crosby grand prize was Wendy Venable. She wore a modified 1866 camouflage dress that was topped off with a picture hat accessorized with jewels and a bird. Medals were pinned on the dress that belonged to her husband, who was a retired Navy commander. Venable herself was a Navy IT specialist for 20 years and has a long history with the military. Indeed, her father was a Navy military helicopter pilot and her two children are currently serving as well. Venable won a one-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and dinner for two at Addison Restaurant. This will also include a multi-course tasting menu by award-winning executive chef William Bradley with wine pairings. Additionally she will receive a $400 cash prize and a Studio Savvy gift basket valued at $250. The 15-day run will race through Sunday, Dec. 4. The rest of the season will race four-days a week on Thursday through Sunday. The fall racing season begins earlier with the first post everyday at 12:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving Day, which will begin at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.dmtc.com. Upcoming events
Thursday, Dec. 15: “La V’s 90th Birthday Gatsby Gala” at the La Valencia Hotel at 6 p.m. The theme is the Roaring ’20s with a speakeasy and Jazz Age dance hall. The gala will benefit the La Jolla Historical Society. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.co. Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com