The Ocean Beach Woman’s Club held its fourth annual Hat Contest at Dirty Birds on April 4. This year’s theme was “Let’s Party.”
The Hat Contest was originally inspired by a photograph in the book by Kathy Blavatt of Ocean Beach Historical Society titled “Ocean Beach, Where Land and Water Meet.” The book had a historic photograph of Mae Clark donning a tall flowered hat in 1960 bearing the inscription, “OBWC Hat Contest Winner.”
“I love how this is becoming an event people look forward to,” said Susan Winkie, event coordinator. “We have many contestants who come back to top their last year’s hat and come home with a sash.”
All proceeds of the hat contest go to the OBWC Philanthropy and Social Justice Committee, which provides grants to local nonprofits.
The hat contest’s Let’s Party theme coincided with OBWC’s 100th anniversary in 2024. Commemorating its centennial, OBWC received a proclamation on Jan. 30 from the City honoring its milestone anniversary and citing the organization for its continuing public service and community advocacy.
Established in 1924, OBWC is one of the oldest civic and philanthropic groups in San Diego whose purpose is to give members a place to create social connections, help in the neighborhood, and empower each other to be change-makers and leaders.
“We’re standing on some big shoulders,” noted longtime OBWC member Susan Winkie. “We want people to understand how incredible those women were. And we continue to write grants and give back to the community every year. Not only do we give back, but we also provide a place of community for our members where we hold incredible community events, like our hat and ping-pong tournaments. Being a member of this club makes you feel like you’re doing something outside of yourself: It’s a touch point.”
Ocean Beach Woman’s Club
The OBWC provides financial grants to 501c organizations in the immediate community, provides educational awareness to its membership and the people of Ocean Beach, volunteers with other non-profits in OB, offers a place for women to come together in a like-minded space, and serves as a constant positive presence in Ocean Beach and San Diego.
