Derby hat design contest

Hats off to a new competition launched by the Chrysler brand. The car company will award a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible to the designer of the best Kentucky Derby hat. The top three finalists will also win tickets to the Derby, where they will sport their designs and the grand-prize winner will be announced.
In order to win, contestants must submit a sketch of an original hat designed to “capture the essence of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and the sophistication of the Kentucky Derby” by Monday, March 5.
The design must use some material from the Sebring Convertible’s soft-top roof, and applicants must also submit a 100-word essay describing how the car’s styling and features inspired the headwear.
Local dealer Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge is rooting for a winner from Queens.
“We’re excited about the introduction of the newly designed Chrysler Sebring Convertible, and to top it off, we would love to see one of our Bayside-area residents win a trip to the Kentucky Derby,” said John Zanetti, owner of the Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership located at 212-19 Northern Boulevard.
Once all entries are in - mailed entries must be postmarked by Monday, March 5 and received no later than Friday, March 9 - contest organizers will whittle down the designs to 15.
These 15 quarter-finalists will be posted on the contest website - www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com - from Tuesday, March 20 until Monday, March 26, for the public to vote on. Designers whose creations rank in the top five with website voters will be given a swatch of convertible top fabric and some seed money to make their designs. Contest judges will then choose three finalists to go to the Derby, the first leg of thoroughbred racing’s heralded Triple Crown.
Contest entries should be submitted online to www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com, or mailed to Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby Contest, Department 4764, P.O. Box 6650, Stacy, MN 55078-6650.