On Friday, May 4, Franklin Park Conservatory’s gardens will blossom in hats at the annual Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin luncheon fundraiser. Commonly known as “Hat Day,” it has become one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Conservatory, and one of Columbus’ premier social traditions of the year. Hat Day is held each year during the first week of May in the Conservatory’s beautiful gardens and under a grand marquee.

“Hat Day has continued to grow since it first began in 2001. This year we anticipate our largest crowd, yet with 600 guests gathering under the Hat Day tent to raise funds and help support the Conservatory’s horticulture programs - most notably Growing to Green,” says Joy Gonsiorowski, this year’s Hat Day chairperson. “We are so grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and all who attend.”

Growing to Green is the Conservatory’s community gardening and urban revitalization program that began in 2000. “For seven years, Columbus businesses and individuals have generously given their support to Hat Day so that Growing to Green can make a difference in underserved neighborhoods,” says Bruce Harkey, Executive Director at Franklin Park Conservatory. “Because of their support, more than 120 community gardens and greening projects around the city have helped provide food to the hungry, assisted enterprising individuals and groups to earn income, acted as a catalyst for neighborhood re-development, improved community safety and provided healthy recreation and social opportunities that bring people together.”

The luncheon features cuisine by Chef Hartmut Handke, a fashion show of local celebrities modeling the new spring and summer collections from Saks Fifth Avenue, and the surprise presentation of the fourth annual Ann Isaly Wolfe Award. Andrea Cambern, WBNS-10TV news anchor, emcees the luncheon and fashion show. Celebrity models are a surprise each year, though past runways have featured Columbus community and business leaders including John F. Wolfe, Abigail Wexner, Stefanie Spielman and Ellen Tressel.

The Hat Day program also honors civic leaders for their involvement and support of the Conservatory with the presentation of the Ann Isaly Wolfe Award. Created in 2004, the Ann Isaly Wolfe Award recognizes individuals who or organizations that, through their enduring service, leadership, and financial support, have enabled the Conservatory to take its place among the leading cultural institutions in Columbus. Given each year in honor of its first recipient, the announcement is made at Hat Day where the honoree receives a limited edition photograph of the historic Palm House, created by Columbus artist Ric Petry.

Hat Day has become the signature spring fundraiser for the Conservatory and one of the more distinctive charity events in Columbus. Those in attendance carefully plan their springtime outfits-their hats in particular. “Hat Day is truly a memorable event. Everyone present is brilliantly dressed for the occasion, and of course wearing their best hats,” says Karen Fiorile, event co-chairperson.

Hat Day begins with a social hour and “auction by drawing” at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Tickets for Hat Day are $300 per person and valet parking is included. A limited number of tickets are available and must be purchased by April 27. Call 614-645-5569 for more information.