Hat's Off to Hatsational!
PLUS: Win box seats to Travers, a new Latin music night, and saying good-bye to a generous Saratoga philanthropist.
Hat’s Off to Hatsational!
It’s been a dizzying whirlwind of a (very social) summer, and Clubhouse track-goers have been dressing accordingly, down to spiffy headwear on both the men and women. So it was about time we checked in with Hatsational’s Joyce Locks, whose stunning hats are so famous that pre-Covid she became the first woman to win “Retailer of the Year” by the Headwear Association of America in 111 (yes, you read that right) years.
You’ve been selling hats at the track (and your 3500-sq-ft Broadway store!) for a long time now. How does this year feel?
Like people are finally ready to get dressed and socialize as in the pre-Covid era.
In Saratoga everyone—men and women—like to dress to the nines. As I like to put it, History, Horses and HATS!
What is your favorite part about selling hats?
Hatsational is a happy place to shop. Everyone enjoys shopping for hats—it's a fun experience!
How did you get started in this business?
I needed a hat and couldn't find one at Gulfstream in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where my horse was racing. I came home and felt Saratoga was a great place to start. I don't have time to travel with the horses anymore, but I love making men and women empowered with their selections.
How do you stand out in Saratoga?
Everyone in Saratoga sells hats in the summer, but Hatsational is a nationally recognized hat store. The knowledge that our staff has in fabrics, fit and styles is beyond most people's realms.
Right before the Headwear Association of America took a two-year hiatus because of Covid, you were honored with a win for Retailer of the Year. How did that feel?
It was the proudest moment I have ever had. Winning this award by the oldest fashion industry in the country was like winning an Oscar in my field. I was the first woman founder in 111 years and by most standards, was in business [just] a short time (13 years). It's been a man's industry from the get-go, so to be honored by these men and held to such high standards humbles me in many ways.
(Joyce’s husband, Roger, is proud as well: “Hats during racing season are now more popular than ever, I believe thanks to her influence!”)
—Abby
Quote of the Week
“There are a few people here.”
—Overheard deadpan as ‘80s fans swarmed SPAC before Styx hit the stage…
—and after Trackside parking reached capacity as crowds descended on the Race Course after the seemingly longest heatwave ever finally broke…
—and as dancers spilled out into the parking lot after Putnam Place’s newly renovated patio jammed full of people during Sunday’s Latin Night.
I Just Want to Dance
It’s official: Putnam Place’s new Sunday night Latin Night with DJ Boy Boy is a hit. The event kicks off with free Latin dance lessons from 7 to 8, and then the DJ goes on until 1am. Service industry folks and track workers receive drink specials, and several happy jockeys have been spotted in the crowds, able to stay out a little later than usual on the eve of their two dark days.
Blurry Photos on a Wednesday
Meanwhile, inside Putnam Place was more conducive to a performance by acrobats from Good Karma Studio, all in the name of women’s empowerment. Between outstanding solo performances by the aerial yoga instructors, women told their incredibly personal stories about fighting for the medical treatment they wanted for their own bodies.
Up first was an emotional and passionate Jasmine Shea, who suffered for almost a year before the finding of a fourth incredibly painful fibroid finally convinced doctors that she was serious about removing her uterus at the age of 36. “I kept telling them it was an option, but they kept saying, ‘you’re too young; you’ll change your mind,’” said the staunch NYCLU supporter. “At each check-up, the pain was worse, and I was all cramps, hot flashes and nausea. When they finally took out my uterus, they found nine painful fibroids.” In light of Roe vs Wade being overturned and the vast differences in the laws of each state when it comes to women’s reproductive healthcare, the irony of having had a hysterectomy wasn’t lost. “Now that I don’t have a uterus, I have the freedom to move wherever I want to,” she said. “That’s scary.”
Another woman learned at 22 weeks that her baby’s heart “had too many problems to fix.” She and her husband appreciated having options during what was the most heartbreaking time. “No government,” she told the you-could-hear-a-pin-drop crowd, “has the right to take away what was my choice and my husband’s choice.” The evening raised $1400 for Women Have Options. “Good Karma is an all-inclusive safe place that empowers everyone to be brave, to be themselves, and to choose what feels right to them,” says Good Karma founder Jessica Lubin. “This world, every country, state, city and community should do the same.” Between the amazing performances and the brave women sharing their stories, it all made for one incredibly empowering evening.
Local Journalism Matters
Saratoga Living’s Midsummer Auction is live! And bidding ends tomorrow night, promptly at 7pm. Proceeds support local journalism. The auction block includes three nights at Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Inn, two fall nights at Saratoga Casino Hotel, box seats for Travers, two VIP tickets to lunch with Bernie Williams, dinner and a night’s stay at the historic The Bond 1786 inn, and a jam-packed food & beverage basket. Start your bidding now, Saratoga!
Come Sail Away…back to the ‘80s
Arguably the fan favorite song from Wednesday’s uber-’80s (Loverboy, Styx and REO Speedwagon) concert at SPAC was captured by popular concert You Tuber @squintyt4e (there are many other clips from this week’s show). Go ahead—sing along in your kitchen like nobody’s watching. (We have a feeling some of you have relived the magic more than once.) Carry on, Captain. ‘Cause you’ve got to be free.
In Memoriam
We couldn’t sign off this week without sending our condolences to Michele Riggi and family for the loss of her husband, Ron. Saratoga lost an incredibly generous and passionate philanthropist with his passing. For more on his work and family (Ron and Michele had four children and will soon have six grandchildren), the Post Gazette wrote a lovely tribute with interviews with the directors of some of the Saratoga nonprofits he helped the most. Michele talked to the Times Union about some final moments with his family for an article that also has more detail on the prominent businessman’s successes with his twin brother, Vincent. RIP Ron Riggi. You are missed.
This Week in Saratoga Living After Hours
On Monday, readers figured out a midsummer word jumble.
And on Tuesday, we analyzed the different coolers popular at the track—and what each reveals about its owner.